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IBLE LITERATURE 



AN 



INTRODUCTORY VIEW 



OF THE 



BIBLE AND ITS BOOKS 

F©R THE GENERAL READER, AND SIXTH GRADE TEXT-BOOK FOR 
SCHOOLS AND COLLEGES 



BY 

JOHN A. W. HAAS, D.D. 

M 

Author of "Annotations on St. Mark " (Lutheran Commentary) and 
Co-Editor of Lutheran Cyclopedia 

i " 

I 

WITH A SHORT INTRODUCTION BY 

THEODORE E. SCHMAUK, D. D., Editor 

General Council Graded System of Bible Study 



PHILADELPHIA 

GENERAL COUNCIL LUTHERAN PUBLICATION HOUSE 
1522 Arch Street 

1906 






LIBRARY of OONGFiESS. 
Two Copies «ecei^^j 

MAY 18 1908 

vopyrigni tntry 



Copyright, 1903, by the 

Board of Publication of the General Council of the 

Evangelical Lutheran Church in 

North America. 




INTRODUCTION. 



This book is a popular introduction to the Bible, written 
by a scholar familiar with every phase of ancient and 
recent Biblical criticism ; and yet firm in adherence to the 
orthodox doctrine of the Word of God The Bible, in 
its external form, is a book, or rather a whole library of 
more than fifty books, produced by a large number of dif- 
ferent authors, and with diiferent purposes and ends in view. 
Its writers represent historical periods of time extending 
over many centuries. 

In order to understand the Bible as a whole, and as its 
Avriters intended it to be read, long before the various books 
were separated into chapters and verses, it is necessary to 
have some clear knowledge of each one of the books of the 
Old and the New Testament. This concise introduction to 
the Bible presents such a knowledge, both of the purpose 
of the inner contents as a whole, and also of the outer nature 
and form of the book in question. 

Bible Literature comes to a large public as the con- 
cluding volume of a graded series of text-books used in 
Church -schools and Colleges, embodying a system of thorough 
preparation for the detailed study of the Bible text in de- 
tached sections. Thousands, who have mastered first the 

iii 



iv BIBLE LITERATURE. 

beautiful Bible stories, and then seen them woven and 
developed into Biblical History ; which in turn was enshrined 
in its external background in a study of Bible Geography ; 
and elevated into a study of personality, character and motive 
in Bible Biography ; and of principles and doctrines in Bible 
Teachings, now come finally to a review of each of the 
individual books of the Bible, as historical and literary units, 
and as a foundation for a better understanding and deeper 
grasp on God's living, saving and abiding Word. It is this 
fact which has determined the outer cast and inner content 
of the work, and has debarred the author from entering more 
fully into technical fields. 

Theodore E. Schmauk, 

Q-eneral Editor, 



PREFACE. 



The place of this book in the Graded Series determines its 
character ; but all who seek a simple and short statement of Biblical 
literature from an orthodox point of view may be aided by it. Its 
use as the last and highest text-book of a system explains its form 
and also its limitations. Among the latter are the running of the 
matter into a mould of 52 Chapters to correspond to the Sundays of 
one year, the precedence of the New Testament to conform in a measure 
to the Church year, the necessarily uniform length of each lesson 
to meet the time-limit of Sunday-school teaching, and the following 
of the order of the books as they are in the Bible rather than their 
historical order. The attainment of those to be taught and the 
restrictions of space made it necessary to simplify, and as a rule to 
refer only to the inner, readily apparent and controllable testimony 
of a book as to its time and author. 

But while the outer historical testimony has not been given, 
the positions taken accord with the clearest and best external his- 
torical evidence. Where critical questions have become or are 
becoming more or less known they are indicated in this book and the 
line of defense shown, mostly in footnotes. Those who know the 
literature will readily see what has been consulted. The best and 
latest works have been considered. The positions taken are the 
conservative ones. In the New Testament they have solid ground 
The discussions on the Old Testament are still in progress. There- 
fore older positions are sometimes taken, because they are still the 



vi BIBLE LITERATURE. 

most commendable. After the wave of rationalism has spent itself 
on the Old Testament, and the one-sided division into sources has 
had its day, there may be changes necessary in parts. At present 
there is no Old Testament scholar of great standing whose scientific 
teaching, would not, if it were the truth, detract from the content, 
reliability and truthfiilness of central matters, and injure the record 
and revelation of God to His ancient people. Therefore it is better 
to be conservative than to be modern and in fashion with destructive 
tendencies. 

The essential position of this volume is that of our Lutheran 
Church. In all the framework of style, authorship, history, the 
divine Word is to be seen, not as a law, but as the power of God 
unto salvation. The saving centre is Christ, either hoped for or 
appeared. While the author may have erred in human, historical 
matters, he has sought very scrupulously not in the least to injure 
the divine content, and by a wrong claim of freedom to shake the 
confidence of any soul in that Word, which is the true light unto 
our feet. If this aim has been approximately fulfilled, then this 
book will not have been in vain. May God overlook all faults and 
errors and use what is profitable to His glory in the enlightenment 
and salvation of souls ! 

October, 1902. J. H. 



ON THE USE 
OF THIS BOOK AS A TEXTBOOK. 



The teachers who are to use this book as well as the pupils, 
must study it carefully and with the Bible always in hand. The 
references should be constantly looked up. The heavy-faced figures 
denote the chapter of the book studied, the plain figures the verse. 
The central thought and plan of a Biblical book ought to be known 
thoroughly, even if the division in detail is not so firmly retained in 
the memory. The literary and historical parts of each book give the 
human side ; while the spiritual character and the prophecies of the 
Messiah unfold the divine side of the Bible. It is of great import- 
ance that the teacher should emphasize the spiritual lessons, and 
what value each book has in reference to Christ, Who is the centre of 
the Bible. The closing' paragraph of each chapter is an attempt at a 
summary of the main spiritual truths of the book treated. The prac- 
tical lessons are not intended to be exhaustive, but to indicate to the 
teacher how the main lessons are to be impressed as teaching points. 
Every chapter is intended to constitute a lesson by itself, and is to be 
studied Bible in hand. A good method of recitation, where there is 
time, is to have part of the scholars looking up and reading the 
references. Teachers will find questions on every chapter, prepared 
by a friend, at the close of the book. 

J. H. 



vii 



CONTENTS. 



THE NEW TESTAMENT. 

CHAPTER. PAGE. 

I. THE BIBLE— ST. MATTHEW 1 

11. ST. MARK 6 

III. ST. LUKE 10 

IV. ST. JOHN 14 

V. THE ACTS OF THE APOSTLES 18 

VL ROMANS 22 

VII. I CORINTHIANS 27 

VIII. II CORINTHIANS 31 

IX. GALATIANS 35 

X. EPHESIANS 39 

XI. PHILIPPIANS 43 

XII. COLOSSIANS 47 

XIII. I AND II THE3SAL0NIANS 51 

XIV. I AND II TIMOTHY 55 

XV. TITUS— PHILEMON 59 

XVI. HEBREWS 63 

XVII. ST. JAMES 67 

XVIII. I AND II PETER 71 

XIX. I, II III JOHN— JUDE 76 

XX. REVELATION 82 

THE OLD TESTAMENT. 

XXL INTRODUCTION TO THE OLD TESTAMENT. . . 86 

XXII. GENESIS 89 

XXIII. EXODUS . 92 

XXIV. LEVITICUS 96 

ix 



X BIBLE LITERATURE. 

CHAPTER. PAGE. 

XXV. NUMBERS 100 

XXVI. DEUTERONOMY 104 

XXVII. JOSHUA 108 

XXVIII. JUDGES— RUTH 112 

XXIX. I SAMUEL 117 

XXX. II SAMUEL 121 

XXXI. I KINGS 125 

XXXII. II KINGS 129 

XXXIII. I AND II CHRONICLES 133 

XXXIV. EZRA 137 

XXXV. NEHEMI AH— ESTHER 141 

XXXVI. JOB 145 

XXXVII. PSALMS 149 

XXXVIII. PROVERBS 154 

XXXIX. ECCLESIASTES 158 

XL. SONG OF SONGS 161 

XLI. ISAIAH 164 

XLII. JEREMIAH -LAMENTATIONS 169 

XLIIL EZEKIEL 174 

XLIV. DANIEL 178 

XLV. ROSEA 182 

XLVI. JOEL 186 

XLVII. AMOS— OBADIAH 190 

XLVIII. JONAH— MICAH 195 

XLIX. NAHUM— HABAKKUK 200 

L. ZEPHANIAH— HAGGAI 204 

LI. ZECHARIAH 208 

LII. MALACHI 212 



MMt literature. 



THE BIBLE.-ST. MATTHEW. 



CHAPTER I. 



The Bible, God's Word to man, records revelation and its his- 
tory. It is itself, as such record, also revelation. A light unto our 
feet, it directs ; quick and powerful, it discerns our very thoughts to 
show us our sins. It is the power of God unto salvation, as we 
search it to find Christ, of whom it everywhere testifies. 

Its Contents. — This wonderful Book of books is a whole 
library of literature. It contains stately prose and forceful poetry. 
Simple stories and annals of history, plain narratives and descrip- 
tions of dramatic power, lyrics and orations are found in it. The 
literature of a nation, covering thousands of years, has come to 
classic expression within its covers. The record of the rise of Chris- 
tianity, the faith of faiths, is preserved in memoirs and letters, 
written within the space of about fifty years. 

Its Unity. — But despite this diversity of the books of the 
Bible, and their diflerence in time, style, character and language, 
there is a wonderful unity, which makes the Bible one Book. The 
Old Testament is the truth in development and preparation for the 
New Testament. The New Testament is the book of fulfillment in 
Christ. But the Old Testament agrees in purpose and aim with the 
highest thought of the New Testament. 

Its Inspiration. — This unity is due to the divine Spirit, who 

1 



2 BIBLE LITERATURE. 

moved the holy men of God to write, and who, in the progress of the 
history of Israel, shows the need and, with increasing light, the com- 
ing of the great Saviour. 

The New Testament contains the picture of the Saviour. 
The four gospels are the historical memoirs of Jesus. The Acts 
report the beginnings of the history of the Church. In the epistles 
are unfolded the doctrines of the life of the Christian. The Apoca- 
lypse is the prophetic outlook of the Church. 

Historically, and in order to note the development of revelation, 
the Old Testament ought to precede. The New Testament, however, 
lies nearer to our Christian life and presents the centre and aim of all 
revelation in Christ Jesus. When we know this aim, we can see 
more clearly the Old Testament approach to it. 



PRACTICAL LESSONS. 

1. The Bible is God's clear and powerful word to man. 

2. It was written in various forms by holy men. 

3. Inspired by the Holy Spirit, it is one. 

4. Christ is the centre of it. 

5. He is proclaimed in history, doctrine and prophecy. 



ST. MATTHEW. 



The First Gospel in the New Testament was written by Matthew 
or Levi. Originally it was composed in Aramaic,* as Papias, who was 
a disciple of John, tells us. It may have been written about 61 A. d. 



♦Aramaic was the Semitic dialect spoken in the time of Jesus. Jesus 
spoke this, e. g. Talitha kumi, Mark 5 : 41 ; ephphatha, Mark 7 : 84. 



ST. MATTHEW. 3 

Not later than 85 A. D. it was rendered completely into Greek.'^ Its 

style is smooth and even, and the influence of the Hebrew language is 

somewhat noticeable throughout the book. St. Matthew is a didactic 

gospel. Many of its discourses as well as its narrative of miracles are 

grouped together.^ The principle of grouping is not chronological. ^ Chaps. 13, 23 

The matter of the book is often arranged to correspond to the sacred 

number seven. This number plays a part in the genealogy of the 

first chapter. There are Seven Beatitudes,^ Seven Petitions of the 2 Chap. 5. 

Lord's Prayer, Seven Parables,^ and Seven Woes.* * Chap! 28! 

The Purpose of St. Matthew is to show Jesus as the Messiah 
of Israel. It is directed to Jews and Jewish Christians by a Jewish 
Christian. The genealogy goes back only to Abraham. The King 
Messiah is the son of David. Jewish words, customs and places are 
not explained. Prophecy is always appealed to by the constantly 
recurring words : " that it might be fulfilled." The kingdom which 
the Messiah brings is called in a Jewish manner, as by no other gospel, 
" the Kingdom of Heaven." The attitude of Jesus to the law, the 
temple and its services is seen. The Jews are shown in their sin, 
and, from the story of the Magi on, their heritage is passing to the 
Gentiles. The writer is, therefore, not a scribe or Pharisee, but the 
publican, who has found tiie better righteousness,^ who knows the * 5.20ff. 
freedom of God's mercy,^ and who ever recurs to the universal term of ^ 20. 1 ff. 
love, " Your Father which is in heaven." He, too, as no other dis- 
ciple, reports the promise of eternal duration to the Church and its 
right of discipline.' But with all the fresh features, Matthew is the ^Jg^iy J.^* ^^•' 
gospel of the past. It shows the fulfillment of Judaism. It connects, 
as the first gospel, most directly with the Old Testament. Still in it 
there is new wine in new skins. 

Contents. — St. Matthew's gospel is the story of the King" 
come. He is the son of David, child of Abraham,^ born as fore- s 1, 1-17. 
told,® recognized by the Gentiles^^ and rejected by the leaders, and ^J ^ ^J^- 



* The Greek of the New Testament is called Hellenistic. It is half way 
between old Greek dialects and modern Greek. Hebrew idioms also 
influence it. 



4 BIBLE LITERATURE. 

is the King of the Jews saved by flight and come from Egypt as did 
w 2. isff. Israel afore." 

These beginnings are unfolded. The forerunner prepares the 
13 3. 1-12. way,^^ the Messiah is designated as Divine Son.^' He conquers Satan 
1* 4. 1-11. and upholds the spiritual kingdom.^* 

15 12— The Word and Works of the King are shown.^^ After the 

16 4.* 17. call to repentance^^ and the choice of the first disciples," the healing 

1 7 18-22. 

18 23 ft'. power of the King appears.^^ The law of His kingdom is the highest ful- 

19 5-7. fillmentof theoldlaw.^^ Newdeedsof mercy mark the Kingdom as one 
2.0 8. 1-17. of love.*" Only by self-denial can men enter it,'^^ and be with the King in 
ia 23— His power over nature and spirits." He chooses twelve messengers*' to 

9 84. 

as 10.* carry on the work after Him, as John, the greatest prophet before the 

2* 11. 1-19. Kingdom, had done.** For He will be obliged to face not only impeni- 
2« 20-30. tence,** but unbelief and murderous envy.*^ He opens the eyes of 
the disciples to the mystery of the Kingdom, its high value, its 
i^'^ 13. 1-52. growth, its conflicts." Not received by His own kin,*® the Messiah is 

»» 53-58. 

>a 14. 1-12. brought into contact with Herod's rule,*'' and, after new deeds of help 

3o 13— and mercy, into conflict with the legal righteousness of the Pharisees.'" 

»i * 21-28. To the Gentiles the King then extends His power,'^ and warns 

aa 29— against the leaven of the Pharisees,'* and His disciples learn to con- 

16.12. ^ ' ^ 

S3 16. 13-20. fess him." 

** 21— "From that time" the King predicts His passion.'* His 

disciples do not understand this recurring prophecy of humiliation and 
*s 16. 21-28. glory,'^ not even when they see a glimpse of glory.'* Nor are they ready 

««*17. 1-13. 

for the other truth of the Kingdom, and they need more faith, less self- 
^ ^Q \t~ ishness, more love.'^ Their life must be moulded to the law of the 

lo. 35. 

Kingdom, as appears in the King's words on marriage and the use 
38:19. 20-84. of riches. But for the faithful are reserved great rewards.'® 

The Triumph of the King in Time and Eternity is shown 
3*21-25. by Matthew.'^ With triumph He enters Jerusalem,*" announces 

*0 21.1fi^. 

Ai 17-22. the curse on the unbelieving,*^ is victorious in His words against 
4» 23— the great council, the Pharisees and the Sadducees ** and stands forth 

22. 40. 

4«3 22. 41-46. as David's Son and Lord.*' Mightilv are the Pharisees rebuked.** 

44.23. 

Jerusalem, which will not receive her Messiah, will fall, as at last all 
4.5 24-25. kingdoms shall before this King.** 



ST. MATTHEW. 



The Passion with its humiliation, fulfilling the prophecy of old, 
takes place." The victory of resurrection follows.*' The King ItII.i-Ts. 
has universal power and His disciples are sent to all nations.*^ " 16 ff. 



Summary.— The King, sent first to Israel to fulfill the words 
spoken to the fathers, comes with a spiritual kingdom. Israel does 
not receive Him. The Gentiles enter in. Messiah becomes King 
of all, as through suffering He passes to universal rule. 



PRACTICAL LESSONS. 

1. Christ is the fulfillment of the Old Testament. 

2. He is the glory and hope of Israel. 

3. His kingdom shall come to all men. 

4. It is established by words and works. 

5. Its way leads through suffering. 

6. The King is finally victorious. 



ST. MARK. 



CHAPTER II. 

St. Mark and the Three Other Gospels. — As we approach 
the Gospel of St. Mark, we are struck with its great similarity to the 
Gospel of St. Matthew. Practically all of St. Mark is in St. Mat- 
thew, except 4. 2G-29 ; 9. 36-40 ; 11. 11 ; 12. 41-44. But there are many 
variations in details and in single words, even where Mark most agrees 

1 Matt. 14. 22— with Matthew and follows the same order.^ This relation of differ- 

16. 12. 

Mark 6. 45— QYice and yet likeness is also found in comparing Mark with Luke, or 
Matthew with Luke, although it is different in degree. Out of 2,890 
verses, 450 are common to all three gospels. Matthew and Mark have 
most in common, and Matthew and Luke are most divergent. Mark 
is the common centre. One-half of Mark is found in Matthew ; one- 
fourth of Luke is found in Matthew ; one-third of Mark is found 
in Luke. 

The Synoptists. — Because the first three Gospels cover so much 
of the same ground, and present a common view of Christ, differing 
from John, they are called Synoptists (those who view together). 
Their agreement, which does not invalidate their difference*, was due 
to the original common preaching of the Gospel by the disciples. 
Certain stories and words of Christ came to be told together and the 
same form was used in the repetition, whether spoken " publicly or 

2 Acts 20. 20. from house to house," ^ or whether instruction was being given to new 

3 Acts 10. 87. Christians.^ While the Old Testament is spoken of as being " read," 

the gospel is spoken of under the words " testimony," " preaching," 



*Matthew has peculiar to himself: 1. 1-25; 2. 1-23: 12. 5, 11 ; 13. 24-30, 86-43, 
47-50, 51ff ; 14. 28-31 ; 15. 13ff ; 16. 17-19 ; 17. 24-27 ; 18. 10, 22-35 ; 19. 10-12, 28 ; 20. 1-16 ; 
21. 28-32 ; 25. 1-13, 31. 46 ; 26. 52ff ; 27. 3-10, 19, 51-58, 62-66 ; 28. Luke will be given 
in the next lesson. 

6 



ST. MARK. 7 

"speaking," "tradition," "word of message," "messages."* But 
these spoken accounts were soon written down.* The Gospel of Mark * Luke 1. 1 ff. 
seems to have been one of these early written accounts. Of St. Mark 
Papias says, that he wrote as Peter's interpreter, but not in chronolog- 
ical order. Besides Mark, we find another written account, named 
" Oracles of the Lord," by Matthew, perhaps the Aramaic Matthew. 
And liuke^ must have had still other sources. Each one, then, rested on s cf. 9. 5i ff. 
oral accounts. Probably Mark relied on them altogether. Matthew, 
in addition, employed an original account written in the Aramaic. 
Luke searched carefully into the oral accounts. Perhaps he knew 
the Gospels of Matthew and Mark, and certainly other lost accounts. 
Each writer selected what was in accord with his plan, and wrote 
in his own style guided by the Holy Spirit. Such selection gave a 
true picture, but not a total one. For this not only the three, but 
the four gospels are needed. 

The Style of St. Mark.— Mark was the earliest gospel written 
in Greek, It was written about 65 A. D., and is from the pen of John 
Mark, f Its style is vivid, and full of minute touches, which show an 
eye-witness. Scene is rapidly followed by scene, introduced by Mark's 
favorite "straightway," and the descriptive, historical tense. Sim- 
plicity and naturalness, living power and striking force, freshness and 
fragrance are prominent, but the Greek is rough. In his gospel, 
Mark did not follow the style of Peter, whose interpreter he was. 
His vocabulary and forms are difierent. But the spirit of the gospel, 
its power and vividness accord well with impressions received from 
the active, energetic Peter. That Mark interprets him in this gospel 
is shown by such personal touches as appear in the selection of the 
first disciples j^ the visit at Peter's house,"^ the search of Peter for !^ !• ^' 

*Acts 8. 4, 5 ; 9. 20 ; 14. 7 ; 19. 13 ; Rom. 1. 15 ; 1 Cor. 1. 19, 21 ; 2 Cor. 1, 19 ; 10. 
16; 11. 4 ; Gal. 1. 8, 16, 23 ; 4. 13 ; Eph. 6. 19 ; 1 Thess. 2. 2, 13 ; 2 Thess. 2. 15 ; 3. 6 ; 
Tit. 1. 8 ; Heb. 4. 2. 

fThe only disputed part is chapter 16. 9-20. This is not found in many- 
early MSS. and Church Fathers. It differs in style and vocabulary, and looks 
like an epitome from Luke. An Armenian MS., lately discovered, mentions 
with it the name of Aristion, who was a disciple of the Lord. Whether we 
accept this, or argue from similarities for a later addition by Mark, the gen- 
uineness of the words are not affected, and find support from other parts of 
the New Testament. 



8 BIBLE LITERATURE. 

9 5*. 41 ^' Jesus,^ the very words spoken to the daughter of Jairus,® the invita- 

10 6. 81. tion of Jesus to His disciples to rest.^" the humble omission of Christ's 

^\\?*h Aiatt. P^^^^® ^^ Peter," the cock crowing twice/^ etc. 

12 14. 30 68' 72. "^^^ "^^^ °^ ^^- Mark's Gospel.— It is Mark's aim to relate 

the gospel as the message of Jesus, the Son of God and Lord of the 
World, full of power. Everywhere mighty miracles stand forth. 
Christ's supernatural power is shown. This comes into the world 
against the world's power. Mark is the gospel for the Romans. That 
it was written for them is indicated by its Latin terms. The Romans, 
with their thoughts of power, were to see the real Lord. Thus Mark 
was the gospel for the present. Its many incidents brought it near to 

'^ 1.1. the active Roman. But only the beginning " of the work of the Lord 

is told in the gospel. That work still continues through the Lord's dis- 

14 1 6. 20. disples.^* They show His co-working of power. The life of the Lord is 

therefore portrayed according to the thought of His divine lordship, 
and not reported according to locality or time. And though Mark had 
" no intention of giving a connected account of the Lord's oracles," 
yet he " committed no error while he thus wrote some things as he 
remembered them. For he was careful of one thing, not to omit any 
of the things which he had heard, and not to state any of them 
falsely" (Papias). 

Contents of this Gospel. — St. Mark's Gospel of the Son of God 
begins with John the Baptist, who prepares the way for the Lord. 

15 1. 2-8. He calls men to repentance and points them to the " Mightier One." ^^ 

The Lord appears, endued by the Spirit, calls His disciples, and begins 

16 9-45. with mighty words and deeds.^® The enemies oppose, and charge 

Him with blasphemy, unholiness, breaking the traditions and the Sab- 
bath law. He answers, and shows His power to heal, forgive sins, 

17 2. 1—3. 6. bring a new kingdom, and to be Lord of the Sabbath." But hatred 

18 3. 7-19. remains. Therefore the Lord selects His messengers for the future, ^^ 

19 20-85. and schools them, as He is assailed even by His own brethren.'* The 

20 4. 1-82. messengers receive the lessons of the kingdom hidden from others. ^^ 

Nature, sickness, Satan, death fall under the Lord's conquest, and His 
5. 48. disciples begin to believe.^^ His humble earthly origin does not dis- 

2^ * 7-18. turb them ; ^^ and they make a trial of their work.'^' 



ST. MARK. 9 

The story of the death of John the Baptist, beginning the second 
part of Mark, points to the Lord's end. But as Herod thinks that 
John has risen, this is an indication of the Lord's victory.^* But now 24 6. 14-29. 
the disciples are to be led by miracles to see the divine Lordship. ^^ 25 30-56. 
They do not yet see, but are freed from legalism and learn the real law 
of purity.^^ Aroused anew by miracles, warned against the Pharisees, ^^ 7. 1-37. 
they, like the blind, gradually receive sight, and confess the Christ. " ^^ 8. i-30. 
The people do not yet thus see Him. Even the disciples do not 
understand that suffering is necessary to Lordship. ^^ Only a few ^^ ^~ 
behold the glorious promise ; but in the conflict faith is needed. ^^ In 29 2-29. 
view of suffering, a child-like, helping, pure, peaceable love must 
obtain.'" The new life of love appears in the sanctity of the home, ^o 30-50. 
the right of children, and the proper use of possessions.'^ The way 31 10. 1-31. 
of suffering is entered upon, as the way of self-sacrificing love.'^ For s^ 32-52. 
a short time triumph appears, but the enemies plot. Yet the Lord 
prophesies the final triumph over the Jews and the world.'' The ss 11-13. 
sufferings are endured.'* The Lord rises, triumphant in power, and ^* 14, 15. 
sends forth His servants, exhibiting His might in their work.'^ ^^ 16. 1-20. 

Suminary. — This is the story of the lion of Judah. His power 
shall rule the world. His Lordship is that of the Son of God, mighty 
in word, but still mightier in deed. He will prevail even through 
suffering and death. His work shall be carried out by His disciples, 
selected and trained for this purpose. 



PRACTICAL LESSONS. 

1. Jesus is the Lord of the World. 

2. His power is seen in His works. 

3. Enmity, suffering, death do not destroy Him. 

4. He co-works with His disciples. 



ST. LUKE. 



CHAPTER III. 

The Style of St. Luke's Gospel. — The third gospel, written 
about 75 A. D., is many-sided and versatile. Its style is adapted to 
the various subjects of which it treats. When peculiarly Jewish sit- 
uations occur and Jewish words are reported, there is a strong Jewish 
coloring in form and expression. But otherwise the style is good 
Greek and the form is artistic and historical. The opening para- 
graph is the only passage in the New Testament which reads like 
a Greek period of classic purity. 

St. Luke combines beautiful picturesqueness with sound judg- 
ment and power. Mark is superior in minute living touches, but 
Luke presents large, complete scenes. Therefore art has most 
largely drawn from Luke. His style and speech show the polished 
Greek physician, who is, however, sensible of the spiritual depth of 
Israel's truth. As an observer he is accurate, and it is his purpose to 
tell the story of the gospel carefully from the beginning. He 
declares that he will go back to eye-witnesses and test the accounts 
1.1-4 ■ that have hitherto been written.^ The gospel is the first part of 

Luke's work, the x4.cts continue his writing. 

Luke and Paul. — Luke was a follower of Paul. His gospel 
breathes Paul's spirit, and there are also many words alike in their 
writings. But though this points to a close relation between them, it 
cannot prove that Luke actually depended on Paul for his knowledge 
of the gospel. 

The peculiar parts ""' of Luke show the Pauline conception of 
Christianity most clearly. 

Narratives Peculiar to Luke. — Most noticeable among the 

* 1. 1-30 ; 2. 1-52 ; 3. 10-14 ; 5. 4-9 ; 7. 11-17, 36-50 ; 8. 1-3 ; 9. 51-56 ; 10. 17-20, 25-42; 
11. 5-8, 27, 28 ; 12. 13-21, 35-37, 47-49, 54-56 ; 13. 11-17, 31-33 ; 14. 1-14, 28-33 ; 15. 11-32; 
16. 1, 2, 14, 15, 19-31 ; 17. 7-19, 28-32 ; 18. 1-14 ; 19. 2-10, 41-44 ; 23. 6-12, 27-31, 39-43 ; 24. 
13-53. 
10 



ST. LUKE. 11 

special possessions of St. Luke, which are most prominent from chapter 
9. 51, to chapter 18, are the parable of the good Samaritan,^ of the rich 2 10. 25 ff. 
man,' of the prodigal son,* of the unjust steward/ of Dives and Laza- f {?• |? S- 
rus,^ the healing of the ten lepers,'^ the story of the unjust judge,^ of l^^' L^i. 
the pharisee and publican,^ and the incident of Zacchaeus.^^ Luke 1\q' l^^' 
wrote for a young man, Theophilus, a Greek. But his gospel, though ^^ 19. Iff! 
directed to one man, is general in its whole tenor. 

Its Universal Character. — St. Luke is the gospel for the 
Greeks. It looks to the future. It does not, like St. Matthew, see in 
Jesus simply the Messiah. It exhibits Him in a universal light, and 
traces His descent not from Abraham, but from Adam. It views 
Christ the Son of man, not as the universal ruler as Mark does, but 
as the great Physician and Saviour of all sinners. 

The universality and freeness of this gospel make it the great 
missionary power. Luke's gospel is the historical foundation for 
Paul's preaching of the gospel as the power of salvation to eveiy one 
that believeth. 

Its Contents. — St. Luke reports the early Christian hymns. 
From the Gloria in Excelsis," a new note of life and joy goes forth n 2, 14. 
into the world. The fulfillment of the old promises is gladly 
voiced in the Benedictus,^^ the Magnificat,^^ and the Nunc Dimittis.^* 
A new spiritual kingdom is seen. 

This gospel begins with hymns and ends with praises. It is full 
of thanksgiving and glorifying of God.^^ And as it emphasizes ^^ 
thanksgiving, it is also the gospel of prayer. Jesus is shown as 
praying at His baptism, after cleansing the leper, before calling the 
twelve, at His transfiguration, on the cross, and at His last breath. 
He teaches and exhorts His disciples to unceasing, persistent petition, 
to holy importunity.^^ 

The Graciousness and Mercy of Christ are most clearly 
portrayed. With glad-tidings of good will to men, with grace doth He 
come to all." He enters the world with angel carols, and departs 17 2.14; 

,. . or 4. 16ff. 

with benedictions. He is born in Bethlehem in poverty, and van- 7. 86ff. 

18. 14ff. 

ishes on Olivet with pierced hands upraised to bless. Thus doth He 19' iff- ; 
^ ^ 23.89ff. 

come for all flesh.^® is 3. 6. 



i2 1. 


68-79 


13 


46 ff. 


14 2. 


29 ff. 


15 


20; 


5. 


25; 


7. 


16; 


13. 


13; 


17. 


15; 


18, 


43; 


23. 


47. 


16 11. 


5ff. ; 


18 


Iff.; 


21. 


36. 



12 BIBLE LITERATURE. 

The Weakness of Infancy is made holy. Luke alone tells us 
of the birth and infancy of John the Baptist, the annunciation, the 
meeting of Mary and Elizabeth, the songs of the angels, the circum- 
cision, the presentation in the temple, the perfect growth of Jesus. 

Woman is uplifted. How pure and tender is the picture of 

19 8. Iff. Mary. Women minister to Jesus.^^ For the widow at Nain He has 

20 20. 38 ff. compassion. Mary and Martha ^o are well shown. The suffering 

21 8.48; women are called " daughters." ^^ And the weeping daughters of 

22 23! 28. Jerusalem ^^ are consoled and warned. 

23 1.52; The Lowly.— For all the poor, humble, despised,^^ there is 
6. 20 ff. ; 

8.2,8; greatest love. The humble are exalted, the hungry are filled, the 
12. ]6ff. ; J & J > 

^i* Jq^oV P^^^ ^^® blessed, the lowly see visions. Lazarus, the poor man with 

X<C» lu, 1<7 II. 

faith in God, is carried into Abraham's bosom. The outcasts are 
received. The Samaritan, the publican, the harlot, the prodigal, the 
dying robber are viewed with deep sympathy. For the lost there is 
help. 

The Toleration of Love is taught. It is the Samaritan who is 
the example. He is good, and not the priest or Levite. The Sons of 
Thunder dare not destroy the Samaritan village, nor hinder the man 
who is not against Christ, even if he does not follow them. 

Its Historical Order. — While these features are prominent, it 

is yet St. Luke's purpose to give the story of Christ according to 

2* 1.8. historical order.^* This order is generally, but not invariably followed. 

25 5-80. After the preparation for the birth of Jesus,'^ the nativity of the 

26 2. 1-20. Saviour,^^ His infancy ^'^ and boyhood ^^ are pictured. The manifesta- 

27 21-88. 

28 89-52. tion of the Saviour ^^ is followed by His early ministry of teaching and 
4. 13. ^ healing in Galilee.^" A later activity in Galilee is portrayed, which 

31 8. contains mostly incidents of two days.^^ After some final deeds in 

Galilee the Saviour goes northward. The teaching of the twelve 

32 9. 1-50. blossoms into confession. ^^ The incidents of the ministry after leaving 
^^18.30.~ Galilee are told, interwoven with many sayings.^^ The journey from 
^^19. 46." Jericho to Jerusalem follows.^* The last days of the Saviour's life,'^ 

21. 38r and His last hours on earth '^ are tenderly portrayed. But the burial 
23! 49. is soon succeeded by the victorious and joyous resurrection with the 

24.* 63. subsequent appearances of Jesus, until His ascension,''^ 



ST. LUKE. 13 

Summary. — St. Luke unfolds most beautifully the growth of 
Jesus in wisdom, stature, and favor with God and men. From infancy- 
through boyhood to full manhood we follow the Saviour, working 
and praying. His tenderness, mercy and love shine forth every- 
where. But before, above, under and after this human life of Jesus 
is divine power and eternity. It has come to serve men, to help the 
weak, uplift the down-trodden, heal the sick, and rescue the perishing. 
There is no distinction of men. The humblest are the greatest 
objects of the Saviour's care. The saving health comes to all men 
and nations, and brings holy freedom, joy and love. 



PRACTICAL LESSONS. 

1. Jesus truly grew in wisdom and stature. 

2. His life was filled with prayer and praise. 

3. He is the divine healer of sin. 

4. All are objects of His mercy, especially the weak and erring. 

5. Holy gladness and joy come in Christ. 



ST. JOHN. 



CHAPTER IV. 

The Character of St. John's Gospel.— In approaching St. 
John we find "the one, true, tenderest, chief gospel, a commentary 
and exposition of the whole Bible " (Luther). This gospel bears the 
mark of the beloved, meditative, earnest son of Zebedee. It was 
probably composed between 80 and 90 a. d., in John's old age. 
Surprisingly beautiful is the gentle flow and wonderful depth of 
the gospel. St. John, who still remembers the thoughts of his 
fellow-apostles,* and knows the very words spoken among themselves, 
or to them privately by Christ,f is also most intimately acquainted 
with the Lord's own motives and feelings. J This is natural in the 
disciple who lay in the Lord's bosom, and whom He loved. John 
has also been testified to as the writer of this gospel, in an ap- 
121,24. pended note.^ And this is confirmed by the exact knowledge of 

Jewish opinions, views and customs, § by the accurate information of 
places, II and by the minute noting of time. % Most vivid, and mark- 

2 2. 14 ff. ing the eye-witness, are the accounts of the cleansing of the temple, ^ 

3 6. 3 ff. of the feeding of the 5000,^ of the healing of the man born blind, * 

* 9. 6, 7. 

5 11. 1 ff. of the raising of Lazarus,^ of the footwashing,® of the betrayal,' etc. 

7 18. 1 ff. The Language of St. John is most marked. There is no 

Greek refinement, nor long periods connected by particles. The 
sentences are simple, short, straightforward, uniform and apparently 
without literary elegance. But the very absence of adornment and 



*2. 11, 17, 22 ; 4. 27 ; 6. 19, 60 ; 12. 16 ; 18. 86:; 20. 9 ; 21. 12. 
1 4. 31, 83 ; 9. 2 ; 11. 8, 12, 16 ; 16. 17, 29. 

1 2. 24, 25 ; 4. 1 ff. ; 5. 6 ; 6. 6 ; 7. 1 ; 11. 33, 88; 13. 1, 8, 21 ; 16. 19 ; 18. 4 ; 19. 28. 
g 1. 19-28, 45-49, 51 ; 2. 6, 13, 22 ; 4. 25 ; 5. 1 ; 6. 4, 14, 15 ; 7. 2, 26, 27, 81, 87 ; 11. 55; 
12. 18, 84 ; 13. 1 ; 18. 28 ; 19. 81, 42. 

II 1. 28, 44, 46 ; 2. 1 ; 3. 23 ; 4. 5 ; 11. 18, 54, etc. 

H 1. 29, 85, 39, 43 ; 2. 1 ; 4. 6, 46, 52 ; 6. 22 ; 7. 14, 87 ; 11. 6, 17 ; 12. 1 ; 19. 14, 81, etc. 
14 



ST. JOHN. 15 

art makes the language so powerful and impressive.^ Clause follows 
clause, one co-ordinated with the other. The thought seems to be 
repeated, and yet it is deepened. The leading thought of the pre- 
vious sentence is again taken up, but the circle is enlarged, and every 
new repetition takes a wider sweep, and shows a deeper power. This 
form is most adapted to St. John's gospel. It expresses simple vision 
and deep assurance. Without connecting particles strong and 
striking contrasts are given. 

Favorite Words. — St. John seems to have a few words which 
ever recur. They are such plain words as "believe" (occurring 98 
times), "know" (55), "witness" (55), "glory" (55), "world" (78), 
"life" or "live" (over 50), "light" (23), " name" (25), "truth" (25). 
Favorite with him are also "abide," "darkness," "love," "keep my 
word," "the Word," the "Advocate," "come out from God." The 
proper understanding of St. John's Gospel depends on the compre- 
hension of these words. Plain as they seem, they contain very much 
e. g., light, life, love. 

Characters are clearly and sharply drawn. This is seen in the 
figures of Andrew, Philip, Nathanael, Peter, Thomas, Nicodemus, 
Judas, Pilate, Mary, Martha, etc. 

St. John and the Synoptists.— St. John stands in contrast 
with the synoptists. But there is no contradiction. St. John com- 
plements the other accounts. He gives a fuller chronology, and 
allows three years for Christ's ministry. Though not expressly 
stated, this is indicated in the synoptists. For they not only give too 
many deeds and words for one year,^ and for only a Galilean minis- ^e.g., Luke 9. 

51 ff. 

try, but they also show that Jesus was in Jerusalem before His suffer- 
ing. Else how could He have often desired to gather Jerusalem,^ 9 Matt. 23. 87. 
and how without a former stay at Jerusalem can we understand the 
discipleship of Nicodemus and Joseph of Arimathea, reported by 
the synoptists ? Many other minor incidents prove the agreement. 

Christ's Discourses. — The language in the discourses is 
different in St. John. It is directed to the Jews high in station, and 
not to plain Galileans. The dialogue is frequent, the form dramatic. 

* e. g. '' Jesus wept." "And it was night." " Now Barabbas was a robber." 



16 BIBLE LITERATURE. 

John shows Jesus more as the pastor than as the preacher. With 

the synoptists the centre is the " kingdom of God ; " with John it is 
loe.o., 8. 24; the Lord Himself.^" He is seen in the pictures of Word, Light, 

Shepherd, Manna. 

Illustrations. — A single picture stands for a whole parable. 

Earthly things are not employed to mark a similarity with heavenly 
12 "*8^' things, but as types oi the heavenly, e.g., the temple," the wind, ^'^ 

}f , 1^- the serpent,^^ the harvest field/* etc. 

1* 4. 35. ^ ' ' 

The Central Problem. — The many questions of the synop- 
tists give way to the one supreme problem, Who is Christ ? The indi- 
cations of Matt. 11. 27, 28 are unfolded, so that what is in the back- 
ground in the synoptists, and appears in glimpses, in special miracles 
and words, stands in the foreground in St. John, namely the divine 
glory of the Only-begotten. That He is with the Father and before the 
world, is John's centre. The others go from facts and experiences 
inward, John proceeds from the eternal and inward outward. All 
that occurs is a manifestation of the Son. And so close has John 
been to the Son, that his own thoughts and words seem one with 
those of the Lord. 

Its Purpose. — St. John's gospel is the great, final gospel for 

the whole Church. It is the gospel of eternity, the spiritual message 

of the eternal Son and the incarnate Word. Its keynote is "The 

Word was made flesh." Its purpose is to show that Jesus is "the 

15 20. 81. Christ, the Son of God, that men, believing in Him, might have life." ^° 

i« 30— With this aim have its selections been made.^® Everything centres 

21.25. 

about Christ. In His presence faith develops, but unbelief grows 
into hatred. Faith is apprehended in its very depth ; but sin is also 
seen in its abysses. A separation between light and darkness, truth 
and falsehood, good and evil takes place, as the Son of God comes. 
IT 1. 1-18. The Word.— The Introduction " speaks of Christ as the eternal 

Word, God.^^ As Word, i. e., the revealer of the Father, He comes 
to men, and is received or rejected by them" as He declares the 
Father.^" This Word reveals Himself to the world,^^ in the testimony 
of the Baptist,=^^ in the message to and of the disciples,^^ and by the 
glory of the first sign. 2* He is also seen in His work among Jews,-^'' 



18 




1-5. 


19 




6-13. 


20 




14-18. 


SI 




19- 




12, 


50. 


22 


1. 


, 19-87. 


23 




88-51. 


24 


2. 


. 1-11. 


26 




13— 




3. 


,86. 



ST. JOHN. 17 

Samaritans,^® and Galileans." This work becomes a conflict as it ,, .., ^, 
touches mixed multitudes.^^ It leads to a judgment of Christ by 28 e-ll. 

men,^^ by the evangelist,^® and by Himself,^^ as He closes His public 30 "'^^* gy^Jk 

... 31 44-50! 

ministry. 

The Christ Reveals Himself to His Disciples.^^— He is ^^ 13-20. 

glorified in His last discourses,^^ by His love in humiliation,^* in keep- gj xl" i-^b 
ing His own,^* in promising the Comforter and His own return,'^ and ^^ ^5. 27^" 
in His high-priestly prayer.^'' The glorification in suffering ^^ follows, 37 jf] 

38 1ft "I €| 

as seen in the betrayal,^' in the trial before the Great Council and 39 ^g' i-n*. 

4,0 10 

Pilate,*" in crucifixion and burial.*^ Then comes the glorification in iQ, I6. 

*1 19, 17-42 

resurrection *^ as Christ manifests Himself to Mary Magdalene,*^ to 42 20! 

43 20. 1-18, 
the ten,** and to Thomas with the ten.*^ The conclusion *® is followed 44 19-23. 

45 24-29. 

by an appendix,*^ giving Christ's appearance in Galilee, and ending 46 30, 31. 
with an attestation of the gospel. 

Summary. — St. John, the wonderful gospel of loving medita- 
tion, begins with eternity. It shows the eternal Word, who becomes 
flesh, that in His life men might have light. Some receive Him by 
faith, and they behold His glory ever more fully. Others, who love 
darkness more than light, reject Him, and come into condemnation. 



PRACTICAL LESSONS. 

1. Jesus is the eternal Word of God. 

2. He comes to bring light and life. 

3. As many as believe become children of God. 

5. The highest confession of Jesus is " My Lord and My God." 

6. Only deep meditation and prayer will lead men to see the 

revealed mystery of the Son of man and the Son of God. 



2 



THE ACTS OF THE APOSTLES. 



CHAPTER V. 



Characteristics. — With this book the historical writings of 
the New Testament close. It is linked to the story of Christ, as it 
shows the beginnings of His Church. It was written, perhaps 
shortly after the gospel, in 76 A. D., by St. Luke, who also dedicated it 
1 1.1. to Theophilus, and conceives of it as a continuation of the gospel. ^ 

The Ascension, with which the gospel ended, forms also the beginning 
of the Acts. The style and vocabulary agree closely with the gospel. 
Again, when Luke writes for himself the style is pure ; but when he 
reports the early history and the discourses, the style is more Hebra- 
istic. In the discourses the thoughts and language are characteristic 
of the preachers, as seen especially in Peter and Paul. In chapter 16. 
10-40, and from 20. 1 ff., when " we" is used, Luke reports as an eye- 
witness: He is everywhere the polished physician, sometimes using a 
medical term, but open also to the exact terms in other lines, as shown 
in the story of Paul's journey to Rome, where the nautical expressions 
are most correct, Luke has written a true history, with fine skill and 
historical insight, which enabled him so to choose the material, that 
the real, inner movement of the early Apostolic Church is clearly 
seen. The Acts, one in plan and purpose with the gospels, rightly 
stand after them and before the epistles. For the latter they furnish 
the broad historic framework. This appears particularly from chap- 
ter 13 on, in the part pertaining to Paul. 

Relation of Acts to Epistles. — There is no contradiction 
between the Acts and the epistles, though the accounts may at times 
difier. The apparent discrepancies between Acts 9. 26-30 and Gal. 
1. 17-24, can be solved by remembering that Luke does not desire to 
report everything, and, therefore, does not speak of Paul being in 
18 



THE ACTS. 19 

Arabia. His purpose is also different. He wishes to show that Paul 
was received by the Apostles. Paul desires to emphasize his inde- 
pendence. But each one hints at the other side. Again, Acts 15. 1 ff. 
and Gal. 2. 1 ff., if they refer to the same fact and not different visits, 
do not necessarily disagree. Paul gives the internal motive and says 
he went to Jerusalem by revelation ; Luke reports the external 
motive. It is quite natural also that Luke should give the public, 
Paul the private history. Their accounts, in detail, supplement each 
other. And the council at Jerusalem cannot be discredited because 
its effects are not seen in other epistles than Galatians ; e g. Corin- 
thians. The contest did not exist in the other churches, and there- 
fore the decree of Jerusalem was not needed. Conditions, too, may 
have changed. When, further, in Acts 15. 35 ff., Luke does not men- 
tion about Peter what Paul relates,^ he did not do so because it was 2 Gal. 2. 11 ffi 
not necessary. But it is important to note how the narrative in Gala- 
tians proves Acts correct. Paul would not have accused Peter of 
hypocrisy, unless Peter had adopted the view reported in Acts. 

The Purpose. — St. Luke, when he wrote the Acts, desired to 
show how the gospel, which to him was the message of the Saviour 
of the world, came from the Jews to the world. Jesus had lived 
among the Jews. To the-Jews also Paul everywhere first addressed 
himself. But they rejected the truth as a people, though individuals 
believed. Acts tells how the Gentiles entered in, and how the gospel 
came from Jerusalem to Eome. 

'' Thus you find in the history of the apostles a fine comment and 
exposition of this argument of experience ; namely, the apostles' ser- 
mons and many examples, how the heathen without law and circum- 
cision came to faith and were saved, against the opinion of the stub- 
born, self-righteous persons who hold that we can and must be saved 
through law" (Luther). In tracing this course of the word of the gos- 
pel, Luke is calm in the first part, full of quick movement in the 
middle of the book, but mighty in feeling as the crisis in the life of 
Paul approaches. 

Christ as Lord. — It is not vain repetition, that Luke begins 
with the ascension of Christ. He portrays, not, as in the gospel, 



3 


1. 


24. 


4 


2. 


38. 


5 




47. 


6 


3. 


16. 


7 


7. 


56. 


8 


9. 


5ff. 


9 




10. 


10 


10. 


14. 


11 


16. 


, 10. 


12 




14. 


13 


18. 


9. 


14 


23. 


,11. 


15 


5. 


19; 




8. 


26. 


16 


2. 


4. 


17 


4. 


8,81 




6. 


10; 




8. 


18; 




11. 


12; 




15. 


28. 


18 


5. 


8,9; 




13. 


2; 




15. 


28. 


19 


16. 


7. 


20 Luke 24. 49, 



20 BIBLE LITERATURE. 

Christ for us, but the ascended Christ as Lord in His people. The 
Lord fills the vacant apostleship,^ sends His Spirit/ increases the 
newly founded congregation.^ Through Him is the lame man healed. ^ 
He stands at the right hand of God to receive Stephen.'' Saul is con^ 
quered by Him,^ and Ananias does His bidding.^ Only by His com- 
mand Peter abandons his scruples.^" He calls Paul to Europe. ^^ 
He opens Lydia's heart, ^^ strengthens Paul in Corinth/^ and prom- 
ises him that he shall be in Eome.'* 

The Activity of the Holy Spirit.— But the Lord acts not 
only by His angel/^ but through His Spirit. The Spirit comes on 
Pentecost and imparts the gift of tongues.'^ He fills the believers so 
that they can teach, work and pray." He lives in the congregation/^ 
and directs the apostles. ^^ Thus is shown the fulfillment of the 
promise of power.^" The activity of the Spirit in the Church forms a 
complement to Paul's teaching of the Spirit's power in individual 
hearts. 

From Jerusalem to Rome.— In telling the story of the way 

of the Church from Jerusalem to Kome, the divisions of the history 

21 6.7; are marked by the increase of the Word.^^ The fii^st section^'^ tells how 

12.24; ^ '' 

^^19.20. after the ascension and the filling up of the apostolic circle,^^ the 

^^ !• Spirit descends to found the Church.^* This is followed by the perse- 

25 3. 1—5. 16. cution of Peter and John^^ and the other apostles.'^^ Many believe, 

26 5. 17—6. 7. r J 

and the life of the church at Jerusalem has reached its height. The 

27 6. 8— second section " shows the hindrances in Jerusalem, the weakening of 

the Church, and the rise of the partly Gentile church in Antioch. 

28 6. 8—8. 40. Stephen and Philip, forerunners of Paul, are active.^^ The former 

29 9. 1-31. becomes a martyr, but soon Paul is converted. ^^ The first Gentiles 

30 32— enter with Cornelius under Peter's preaching.^'' James is beheaded 
11.30. ^ ^ ^ 

31 12. and the apostles flee from Jerusalem .^^ The third section ^^ begins the 

32 13. 1 — ^ ° 

19.20. Pauline part, "while the former parts deal with the time of Peter's 

dominance. The gospel enters Europe. Paul undertakes his first 

3* 15.' "*"** missionary trip.^^ The disturbances caused by Jewish Christians 

18. 22. necessitate the council at Jerusalem.^* Paul then goes upon his 

19. 2or second,^^and later upon his third '^^' missionary journey. The gospel 

37 21 — 

20. 80. is now at Athens and Corinth. The fourth section ^^ leads to Kome, 



THE ACTS. 21 

After Paul's last trip to Jerusalem,^^ his bitter experience and the ^^ |J. 3i— 
final rejection of the gospel there,^^ his imprisonment inCaeserea*" ^^23 sl~ 
takes place. Upon an appeal he is finally brought to Kome." Here 4^ 27"^%. 
the Acts end with Paul preaching the kingdom. The gospel, running 
through the world, has come to the centre of power. 

Summary. — Acts, the first church history, shows us that the 
development of the Church is guided by the ascended Lord. He, 
full of power, is with His people, and works through His Spirit. The 
Jews finally reject the kingdom and the Gentiles gain it. The 
faith of Christ is established in the world. The word of God ever 
increases through the activity and amid the persecution of Christ's 
messengers. 



PRACTICAL LESSONS. 

1. Christ is with His Church. 

2. The Holy Spirit founds and fills it. 

3. The sins of men cannot destroy it. 

4. The time of the Gentiles begins. 

5. By faith alone they enter. 

6. The testimony and suffering of Christ's messengers increage 

the Church. - 



ROMANS. 



CHAPTER VI. 

The Epistles. — A new division of the New Testament, the 
epistles, begins with this book. Some of the most important litera- 
ture of ancient times consists in letters, which contain not only 
personal information, but also biography, history and religion. The 
age, the author, and the occasion are always reflected in them. The 
New Testament epistles, showing these features, were written to meet 
special wants iji the churches, and took the place of personal visits. 
But some of them are general treatises as seen in their opening. 
While the New Testament letters originated under peculiar circum- 
stances, they embody, as no other letters, eternal truths. Not all the 
1 Col. 4. 16. letters of the Apostolic age have been preserved.^ But the Spirit has 
caused those which are essential to be kept. 

St. Paul's Epistles. — The most noted letter writer of the 
New Testament is St. Paul. His letters show general accuracy of 
diction. But he is not fettered by grammatical rules. Earnest and 

^k9,^^'h^} sincere he avoids rhetorical adornment, and aims at plainness.'^ But 
2 Cor. 11. 6. ' ^ 

rhetorical effects appear naturally sometimes, as in the long lists of 

8e.gr., Gal. 4. moral qualities. Allegory too is employed,^ and occasionally Paul 

*e.(7.,iCor. 18. rises to high eloquence.* The thought is often so powerful, that it 

strains and breaks the sentence. The richness of knowledge causes 

the main subject at times to be abandoned, and an incident to be 

discussed. Long and involved sentences and complex figures are 

2 Pet. 8. 16. often found. This makes Paul's letters at times hard to understand. * 

A Revelation of Paul's Inner Self. — Everywhere there 

appears not only a great mind, but an energetic, living conscience, 

and a warm heart. The epistles of Paul reveal his inner life. They 

6 1 Tim. 1. 13. indicate how he, who was once a blasphemer and persecutor,® and a 

r Phil. 3. 9. Pharisee seeking righteousness in works,' found the law a school- 

22 



ROMANS. 23 

master to Christ.^ But when it pleased God to reveal His Son in ^ GJai. 3. 24. 
Paul,' and the conflict of soul ensued/'' then came the excellency of loRom^V^Tff 
the knowledge of Christ." In IWi faith Paul lived.^"^ His grace l3gai!2^20. 
was sufficient for Paul in his many labors, trials, and persecutions,^^ 132cor.11.22ff: 
and for His glory he hoped." ^^2 Tim. i. 7 m 

Romans. — The epistle to the Romans opens the group of letters, 
called doctrinal, which end with Galatians. Romans was written last, 
probably early in 58 A. d. Paul intended to go to Jerusalem, then to 
Rome and to Spain. ^^ But he was prevented from going to Jerusalem ^^|^^™- ^^' 
and went to Macedonia. ^^ As nothing is said of this in the letter, it le ^cS 20 8^' 
must have been written during Paul's stay of three months in 
Achaia." Doubtless it was sent from Corinth, for Phoebe, deaconess i^ Acts 20. 2. 
of Cenchrea, seems to have carried it/* and Gains, a Corinthian,^' ^f ?',9"^- J^-.l* 

' J J 5 191 Cor. 1.14. 

sends greetings.'^® Tertius wrote the letter for Paul.*'^^ ^ R*^m' le" P' 

Paul had long desired to come to Rome," but he would not build 22 Rom. 1. 10. 

on another's foundation. ^^ At last, however, without breaking his 23 Rom. 15. 20ff; 

' ' '=2 Cor. 10. 16. 

principle, he could write to Rome, where the church seems to have 

arisen from Christians that gathered there.^* This church was ^*cf- Acts 2. 10. 

mixed. There were some Jews as is evident from 3. 1, 9; 

6. 1, 15; 7. 7, 9flf.; 11. 1, but the larger part seems to have been 

Gentiles.25 25 i..5ff.,i3; 

The Universality of the Gospel. — With wonderful power i5. 15, I6. 
and calmness the universality of the gospel is unfolded. Romans is 
the great teaching epistle. Its central doctrine is Justification by 
faith. One continued argument, it is well developed with great 
power. In this " compendium of Christian doctrine " (Melanchthon) 
there is nothing dry. Heart and conscience are mightily appealed 
to for the gospel is " the power of God." Wrong deductions are 
warded off with the forcible "God forbid."* When^^ the salvation ^^ 8. iff", 
of the justified is portrayed, it sounds like the voice of angels in 
power and sweetness. 

After a full and triumphant greeting," which ends with Paul's 27 1. 1-15. 
claim of the right to teach the Romans, the theme is announced : ^* ^^ 16, 17. 



* Literally, Be it not so ; German, Das sei feme. 



24 BIBLE LITERATURE. 

" The gospel of Christ is the power of God unto salvation 
to every one that believeth : to the Jew first and also to 
the Greek." 

Men's Need of Salvation. — Great is the universal need of 

29 1. 18; justifying salvation.^^ The Gentiles are deeply sunk in moral degra- 

30 1. 18-82. dation. This is their punishment for the abandonment of God.^° 

31 2. 1-16. But the Jew is not excused. What he condemns in others, he does.^^ 

None of his outward advantages help him, for God looks at the 

32 17-29. heart.^^ Yet the unbelief of the Jew does not destroy the gifts of 

33 3. 1-8. God.^^ But no man has any excuse for sin. Before God no flesh by 

34 9-20, law is justified.^* 

^^ g |J5 Justification by Faith is the way of Salvation.^^ Law 

failed to save men. But the righteousness of God is manifest to all 
by His grace. The redeeming death of Christ obtains righteousness. 
All that believe in Christ receive this righteousness in the remission 

36 3. 21-30. of sins. God does all for all, and no man can boast.^^ This new 

37 ver. 31. la^ Qf faith does not contradict the old law.^"^ It establishes that 

law ; for Abraham's faith, counted to him for righteousness, shows 

that not by circumcision, but by faith was justification secured in the 

^* *• old covenant.^^ Where there is justification, there is peace with 

39 5. 1-11. God, and sure hope of glory. ^^ Justification is made possible not 

simply for individuals, but for mankind. As through Adam's dis- 
obedience sin and death came to all, so through Christ's obedience 
life and salvation are given. Christ is the second Adam, the beginner 

40 12-21. of a new humanity.**' Thus where sin reigned, grace can now abound. 
*i 6. 1 ; 8. 39. New Life. — Where grace abounds there is a new life.*^ Through 

grace souls do not continue in sin, for by baptism they have died to 

*2 1-14- sin and risen to newness of life with Christ.*^ Whoever stands in 

grace is not free to sin, for grace takes men from the slavery of sin 

43 15-2S. and puts them into the service of righteousness *^ To the law which 

condemns the Christian has died, for by Christ's death the law has lost 

44 7. 1-6. its claim.''* But the law itself is holy, just, good ; only to sinful 

man it is the occasion for sin. And he, when changed, may delight 

45 7-25. in it inwardly, but flesh hinders him from doing what he would.*^ 

But he is freed by Christ. There is now no condemnation ! There 



ROMANS. 25 

fore the saved man should walk in the spirit, and not according to 

the flesh, which brings death.*^ The duty is upon him to mortify *6 s. i-il. 

the deeds of the flesh and, led by God's Spirit, to become an heir of 

eternal life.*' Because of this hope we can bear present ills, for all *7 12-17. 

things serve for good to them that love God>^ What need the *8 18-30. 

Christian fear ! No power can separate him from God's saving love.*^ *^ 31-39. 

For Jew and Greek. — To the Jew first, but also to the 
Greek comes salvation.^° Israel, for which God fulfilled His promise, ^^ 9-11. 

lost its privilege. This fills Paul with deep sadness.^^ But God's ^^ i-^- 

promises are not idle, for they are not all real, spiritual Israel, which ^^ ^-13. 

are of Israel.^^ God is absolutely free, and can choose whom He will.^^ ^^ 1^21. 
But He shows His mercy in bearing with the wicked and opening His 
riches to the elect nation. That they would lose their privileges had 

been prophesied.^* The fault is theirs, for they seek justification by 54 22-27. 

works and not by faith.^^ The Jews are without excuse, for they 55 30— 

^ ' *^ 10.13. 

will not hear the gospel.^® But though they have now lost their se 14-21. 
prerogatives, God will not abandon them. And there is a remnant 
that believes.^' Through Israel's fall the Gentiles have come in. s^n.i-io 
Let them not boast, but be warned by Israel's fall.^^ When the ^^ 11-24. 
fulness of the Gentiles has come in, there will be a general conver- 
sion of the Jews.^^ What depths of divine wisdom are evident in ^9 25-32. 
all this.«'' 60 33-36. 

Practical Exhortations. — The practical part^^ contains in- 6112-I6. 
junctions quietly to follow one's calling, to show love and avoid 
revenge,^^ to be obedient to government and live soberly ,6' and to g||i* 
forbear with one another.** After personal remarks*^ and greet- 64,i4_ 
ings ®* this epistle closes with a mighty benediction.*' ®| 15. 14-33. 

Summary. — Eomans is the mightiest manifesto of God's free ^"^ 2S-27. 
grace. All men are under sin. But for all there has been established 
justification in Christ. Faith apprehends justification, and a new 
life follows. Sin no longer reigns, and there is a glorious outlook of 
life in the experience of God's strong love. Israel has rejected this 
grace, but God will finally bring back His ancient people. Let not 
those Avho stand boast, but live in love, in obedience to the powers 
that be, quietly do their work, and show mutual forbearance. 



26 BIBLE LITERATURE. 

PRACTICAL LESSONS. 

1. There is only one way of salvation. 

2. All men, being under sin, need it. 

3. God's grace in Christ established righteousness. 

4. Only faith saves, because it holds Christ the Righteous One. 

5. Peace and hope are the fruits of the new life. 

6. God's ways are mysterious, but He keeps His promises. 

7. Love must rule in all relations. 



I CORINTHIANS. 



CHAPTER VII. 

Corinth was a typical Greek city. When St. Paul wrote to its 
inhabitants he became a Greek to the Greeks. His language proceeds 
largely upon classical lines. Its vocabulary is very rich. Out of the 
5594 Greek words of the New Testament it employs 963, of which 
103 are peculiar to it. But while the form of this letter is more Greek, 
Paul does not bow to the spirit or influence of Greek wisdom.^ For ^ !• ^'^^° 
behind it was much sin. In Corinth, a great centre of trade, wealth, 
fashion and amusement, the people were excitable, fond of debate, 
changeable, and weak in their morals. All these sins are reflected in 
the life of the Christian congregation, in its dissensions and disputa- 
tions in the courts, its excitements in worship, its excesses in the 
love-feasts, and in its toleration of impurity in the church. 

The Church at Corinth. — St. Paul had founded the church 
at Corinth during his second missionary journey. Eejected by the 
Jews, he had, together with Silas and Timothy, built up a large con- 
gregation.^ After staying a year and a half he went to Jerusalem,' I ^cts 18. i ff„ 
and began his third iourney. On this tour, while he was at Ephesus * * Acts 19. lo. 

he wrote this letter about Easter of probably 57 A. d.^ But between sicor. 5. 7 ; 

16. 8. 
his first visit to Corinth and this letter he heard of the immorality 

at Corinth, and seems to have made a trip there from Ephesus, for he 
was twice at Corinth before writing 2 Corinthians.'^ 

This visit was without effect, and Paul wrote a lost letter ^ against ® i Cor. 5. 9. 
association with immoral persons. This was apparently misunder- 
stood, as forbidding all association with non-Christians. Therefore 
the Corinthians wrote a letter of inquiry about this,' and also about ^ 5. ii. 
impurity and single life, eating of food offered to idols, and spiritual 



* There is no room for such a visit between First and Second Corinthians, 
on account of the close connection of these letters. (Compare 2 Cor. 2. 1 ; 
12. 14, 20 ; 13. 2. see also Chapt. VIII.) 

27 



28 BIBLE LITERATURE. 

^ 7. 1 ; 8.1; gifts.^ To these points Paul replies, and also rebukes the divisions 

9 1. 11. of which he had heard from some of the house of Chloe.^ Thus this 

whole letter is accounted for. It was apparently taken to Corinth by 

Stephanas and his companions, who had brought the letter of inquiry 

10 16. 17, 18. and had in part given a more favorable report.^^ Timothy and Eras- 

tus had been previously sent by way of Macedonia, and vvould pro- 

" ig'^ ^4* H" ^^^ly arrive after the letter, and to enforce it ^^ 

Its Character. — The needs of the church at Corinth determined 
the character of this letter. It is therefore taken up with corrections 
of moral evils, that rose from a wrong heathen spirit of license. Not 
legalism, but false liberty had to be met. This aiso explains the 
12 15. most doctrinal part of the letter. ^'^ And therefore also justification 

its not the centre as in Romans, though it is presupposed." 

Its Contents. — The cross of Christ as the true power in human 
relations is upheld against false liberty. The gospel of the Crucified,^* 
though foolishness to the world,^^ would yet prevail over its wisdom.'® 
For the Crucified One is the Lord of glory," Who is the mediator, 
and our righteousness, sanctification, redemption/^ and eternal life.^^ 
He is the true wisdom,^ and is brought to men by His Spirit.*^ The 
Spirit unveils the things of God,^- makes men God's holy temple,^^ and 
thus creates the Church of God upon Christ as foundation,^* and as 
His body *^ fills it with manifold gifts.^® The end is another world, 
for the fashion of this world passes away.^^ 

Its Plan. — With such a centre, the plan of this letter is deter- 
mined by the questions asked, and the errors to be corrected. Despite 
these the Apostle, after the greeting, '^^ opens with thanksgiving for 
the utterance and knowledge given the Corinthians,^^ and prays that 
they may come behind in no gift.^° 

Correction is needed,^^ because of party spirit, public scandal, 
contention in courts, and uncleanness. 

Reproofs. — 1. The spirit of party,^* degrades Christ, ele- 
vates men,^^ and forgets the nature of Christian teaching.'* The 
gospel is no human wisdom, but divine wisdom, hidden from men, 
and revealed by God's Spirit to the spiritual. Party spirit disregards 
3. 5—4. 21. ^j^g nature of Christian teachers.'^ All teachers, whoever they are, are 



13 


1.30; 




6. 11, 20. 


14 


1.23. 


15 


27. 


16 


19 ff; 




2. 6ff; 




3.19. 


17 


2.8. 


18 


8.6; 1.30. 


19 


15. 


20 


1.17ff. 


21 


2.4; 




6.11; 




12.3. 


22 


2.11ff. 


23 


3. 16. 


24 


9ff. 


25 


12. 12ff. 


26 


12. 14. 


27 


7.31; 15. 


28 


1.1-3. 


29 


4-6. 


30 


7-9. 


31 


10— 




6.20. 


32 


1.10- 




4.21. 


33 


1. 10-17. 


34 


17—3. 4 



35 



I CORINTHIANS. 29 

under God. To Him they are responsible. Glorying in men destroys 

God's house. Teachers are but gifts of God and servants of Christ. 

2. In the public scandaP^ the church should have felt shame. It ^*^ 5.1-18. 

must purge out the old leaven. 3. Contention in the courts ^^ is un- ^"^ 6* ^"^• 

worthy of the eternal aim of saints, and speaks ill of their wisdom 

and morality. 4. Uncleanness ^^ is an abuse of the body, injures the ^* i0-20. 

members of Christ, and defiles the temple of the Holy Ghost. Our 

bodies should also glorify God. 

Answers to Questions. — In reply to the questions of the 
Church Paul writes : 

1. Of marriage.^^ While under the trials of the time single life *^ '*• 
is to be preferred, yet all are to be true to existing relations. No one 

is to break the bond of marriage, but the Christian is not enslaved 
if a heathen partner deserts. Single life is advised tentatively by St. 
Paul, because of the instability of earthly things, the shortness of 
time, and the greater freedom to serve the Lord. 

2. Of food offered to idols. ^° Christians are to act on the know- ^^ 8 ; ll. 
ledge that idols are nothing, and that therefore it is not a sin to 

eat such food. Yet this truth is not grasped by all, and the strong in 
faith and knowledge may offend the weak. Therefore forbearance, not 
right, should rule. Because sacrificial meat is connected with idolatry, 
there is danger that in eating of such meat they may offend weaker 
brethren. Participation in sacrificial meals is connection with demons, 
as partaking of the Lord's Supper is communion with His body and 
Blood. Love will then abstain, and not insist on exercising its freedom. 

3. In public worship*^ women are to bevelled for they are to *i 11.2-34 
acknowledge their subordinate place according to nature and the 

custom of the churches. The Lords Supper must not be abused. It 
is not the meal for hunger, nor to mark distinctions, but the 
Lord's table of grace for all. Abuses bring severe condemnation. 

4. Spiritual gifts*'' are to be used as they do good to others. *2 12— 14. 
They are not an end in themselves. Different as they are, they are 

one in origin and aim, to serve men and edify the body of Christ. 

The highest gift is love.*^ Wonderful as all gifts are the most useful *' 13» 

is prophecy. 



*8 16. 



30 BIBLE LITERATURE. 

**15. 5. Resurrection of the body** is a necessary article of faith. It 

was in the creed of the Church, testified to by many witnesses. If 
Christ is risen, the dead must rise. He leads the way, and death will 
be conquered. Nor is the present body an objection, it shall be 
raised another body, immortal and glorious. Praise to Christ, who 
hath gotten the victory ! 

The closing chapter*^ gives directions, plans of Paul, exhorts 
and warns against false brethren, and concludes with a benediction. 

Summary. — God's wisdom of the cross is the final power 
making the Church victorious. But she must be one. Every divi- 
sion separates Christ's body. No teachers and no gifts are to be 
exalted above others. The highest gift and principle is love. It is 
holy, and the sinful must be put away. It keeps the marriage bond 
and avoids offence. In worship it is seemly and orderly, and does 
not disregard the natural distinctions of sex. The great final hope is 
the resurrection of the body. 



PRACTICAL LESSONS. 

1. God's wisdom of the cross is the true wisdom. 

2. No party names are to be in the Church. 

3. All men are only servants of Christ. 

4. The Church is the one body of Christ. 

5. All gifts are to be used to edify others. 

6. Love is the highest gift. 

7. It does not break natural ties. 

8. It bears with the weak. 

9. In worship all things are to be done decently and in order. 
10. The resurrection of the body is a glorious hope. 



II CORINTHIANS. 



CHAPTEE VIII. 



A Second Letter Necessary. — The second letter to the 
Corinthians is a continuation of the work of the first. The first 
letter did not at once change all existing conditions. Nor did 
Timothy seem able to effect what he desired, and he returned to 
Ephesus. Then Titus was sent to Corinth.^ Meantime Paul was 
driven from Ephesus through the stir begun by Demetrius.'^ Accom- 
panied by Timothy he went to Macedonia, touching at Troas.' While 
Paul was in Macedonia, waiting with great longing for the return of 
Titus, the latter at length came. His report filled the apostle with 
mingled joy and grief. And thereupon Paul wrote this letter from 
Macedonia,* about the Fall of 57 A. d. He was then carrying out 
his plan as outlined in I Corinthians 16. 5-7, which was a change 
from a former plan. For this the Corinthians blamed Paul, appar- 
ently impugning his sincerity.^ But he defends himself.^ Human 
plans are not final. Yet at last the troubles are settled, and early in 
58 A. D. Paul goes from Macedonia to Corinth.' 

Its Contents. — While this letter is being written, Paul is still 
collecting in Macedonia.^ The memory of his Ephesian conflict is 
with him^ and he must again write severely to the Corinthians. ^° 
His deep grief is evident, mainly in the last chapters, while the 
early chapters are hopeful. The first letter apparently remedied 
the error about the resurrection of the dead," produced better order 
in worship, and after great misunderstanding effected discipline in 
the case of the public scandal,^^ so that Paul now pleads for the one 
punished.^^ What has been gained moves Paul to great joy, 
which breaks forth triumphant. But the joy is interwoven with sor- 
row and grief. Many of the old sins remain, and Paul fears that he 
must use severity.^* Some of the social disorders seem still to exist. ^^ 

31 



1 2 Cor. 7. 6. 

2 Acts 19. 23 ff. 

3 Acts 20. 1. 
2 Cor. 1. 8 ; 

2.12; 7.5. 



* 1.15,16; 
2.12; 
8. 1 ; 9. 2. 



5 2 Cor. 1. 18. 

6 1. 15—2. 2. 



7 2. Iff. 
Acts 20. 2. 



8 8, 9. 

9 1.8ff. 

10 10 ff. 



n 1 Cor. 15. 12. 
85. 



12 2.5; 7. 12. 

13 2. 6. 

1*10.2; 

12.20ff.; 

13. 7, 9. 
15 12.14; 

13. Iff. 



32 BIBLE LITERATURE. 

16 1 Cor. 1. 12. There is yet much strife, and the Christ-party '^ is uiiruly.^^ Those 
17 10. Iff. 7-10; ^ f J J 

13.3-6. who continue in uncleanness are again called to repentance.^^ And 

13. 2. the whole congregation is bidden to return to a still more thorough 

19 10. 6. obedience.^^ These conditions raise a mighty whirlwind of holy pas- 

sion in Paul. Indignation and bitter irony break through tender feel- 
ing. Thus Paul in his epistle passes abruptly from point to point. 
The regularity of grammer is rent by the force of feeling. 

Paul's Defense Against False Teachers. — Paul's feeling 
is aroused most strongly, however, by enemies. Men who leaned to 
Judaism had come in. They emphasized the law as a means of 

20 2.17; 3; salvation. Thus they adulterated the Word of God.^" The glorious 
4. 2, 4 ; 

11.4. gospel of the forgiveness of sins was hidden to them.''^ They assailed 

22 ,3.5; 4.5. Paul, and claimed that he preached himself,^^ was beside himself.^^ 

23 5. 13. 7 

They had no confidence in his office because he did not take his living 
24 11. 7, 8. from those he taught,^* and they charged that he was worldly, boast- 

25 8. 20, 21. ing, harsh, cowardly, tyrannous, and misused money. '■^^ But Paul 

shows that these men were deceitful. They gloried not in the real 

26 5.12. things of the heart ;^^ pretenders, they claimed the fruits of other's 

27 11.15. labors.'^' They were enslavers, plunderers of the community, self- 

28 20. exalters, men of violence, ^^ blinded by the God of this world.^' 

29 4, 4. 

The Triumph of the Cross. — Against all opposition this 
letter shows the cross of Christ in the suffering and triumph of His 
messengers. Christ, in whom God reconciled the world, not imput- 

30 5.i8ff. ing their trespasses, has with His word given the ambassadors.^*' 
SI 8. 9. They are to proclaim how He, though rich, became poor,^^ and filled 

His messengers with His love, so that they live to Him who died 
32 5. 14, 15. and rose for them.^'^ Thus, though they might boast of many things 
33 11. 22 ff. according to the flesh,^^ and of many privileges of revelation,^* they 

34 12. Iff. ./ X o 

35 11. 24 ff. will only glory in their trials ^^ and their weakness in order to 
36 12. 9. exalt God's grace.^® In this way the power of justification is applied 

in the work of the ministry. 

Victory in SuflFering". — The cross which Christ's apostle 
bears brings its pain ; but as Christ's cross triumphed, so will it also 
prevail in the sufferings of His own. The final outcome is not uncer- 
tain. Through Christ the office of the New Testament and of the 



n CORINTHIANS. 33 

Spirit will be glorious" and conquer.^^ The sufferings of the apostle H f-f.^- 
are a living sermon, leading men to repentance. In Paul, as he suffers ^^* 2^^ 
and sacrifices himself, not only the crucified Jesus is present, but the 
Christ, who is risen and at the right hand of God. The Spirit of the 
risen Lord not only assures Paul of his salvation, but effects through 
him and his preaching the regeneration of men. Because this is the 
purpose of the New Testament ministry, Paul so strongly defends his 
office. For in the attack upon the office, the purity of truth, which 
alone giveth salvation, was assailed. 

This letter naturally divides into three parts: c. 1-7, c. 8, 9, c. 
10-13. The first contains the answer to Titus' report; the second 
relates to the collection for Jerusalem; the third is the warning 
against false apostles, and a defense of Paul himself. 

1. The answer to the good tidings of Titus ^^ after the words of ^® i-^* 
assured comfort under the cross/" reviews the relation of the Apostle *** ^~^^' 
toward the Corinthians. He vindicates himself as to his promised 

visit, and the great offender.*^ He then defends his apostleship.*^ It *^ 12— 
is a new ministry of spirit and life, not one of the letter like the old. *^ ^^-~ 
Despite its suffering, it looks to the hope of resurrection, and is 
founded on the Redeemer and His work. With the coming of Titus, 
who was so joyous, a reconciliation between Paul and the congrega- 
tion as a whole is brought about.*' *3 5-I6. 

2. The collection for the saints in Jerusalem** is now occupying ** 8, 9. 
the apostle. The Macedonians have given a noble example of liber- 
ality. Through their love and through Christ's example, who became 

poor for us, the Corinthians are to be aroused to liberal giving. 

3. The mighty defense *^ of Paul opens with the proof of his *^ ig« }— 

lo« -lO. 

authority as apostle in Christ. His work has been measured out to 

him. And strongly are the opponents answered, when they assailed 

Paul's loyalty and his foregoing support. He can boast of outward 

advantages, but his glory is in grace. Let all enemies be warned, for 

Paul is coming to Corinth. 

With greetings and the full apostolic benediction,** Paul concludes *^ n-u. 

a letter, which shows him as a true shepherd, and establishes peace 

and new Christian life in Corinth. 
3 



34 BIBLE LITERATURE. 

Suramary. — The Christians, particularly Christ's messengers, 
carry the cross of Christ in suffering for the truth of Jesus. Men 
despise and oppose them. Yet as Christ, the Crucified, triumphed, so 
in their persecutions, and through bodily weakness, Christ's own pre- 
vail. The ministry of the New Testament is that of spirit and life. 
It is strong in Christ, whose self-denial and poverty for us should lead 
us to help His poor saints. 



PRACTICAL LESSONS. 

1. Christ's cross must be borne by His own. 

2. The messengers of Jesus suffer with Him. 

3. The triumph of Christ is the victory of His people. 

4. The strength of the New Testament ministry is the gospel . 

5. Christ became poor to enrich us, and we should care for His poor. 



GALATIANS. 



CHAPTER IX. 
To "Whom Addressed. — This letter is supposed by many to 
have been sent to the Galatian people, who were of Celtic stock, and 
settled in Asia Minor in the third century before Christ. Their 
principal cities were Ancyra, Pessinus, and Tavium. But it is more 
than probable that St. Paul did not address the Galatians in this 
narrow sense, but the inhabitants of the Eoman province Galatia. 
In this wider meaning Galatia included Pisidia, Lycaonia, and the 
part of Phrygia south of Galatia. St. Luke, indeed, does refer to 
" Galatian territory " ^ in the narrow sense, but Paul uses only the ^ "^0^*03^' ^' 
Roman names of provinces.* The Galatian churches then to which 
he wrote, were those of Antioch, Iconium, Derbe and Lystra, which 
were founded on the first missionary journey.^ To these it was more 2 Acts 14. 
natural that Jewish agitators would come than to North Galatia, for 
they had synagogues,^ and were along lines of travel. Paul says,* 3 Acts 13. 14; 
that he contended for the Galatian churches at the council of Jeru- * 2.5. 
salem. But at that time the churches of North Galatia were not yet 
founded. Barnabas, who is mentioned 2. 1, 9, 13, accompanied Paul 
in the first trip to the South Galatian cities, and Silas was with him 

on the second tour.^ These men are then included when Paul says, 5 Acts 15.40 flf.; 

-^ ' cp. Gal. 1. 8. 
" we preached."^ By a sickness, possibly fever, Paul was moved '^ to ^ J* ^• 

go to the cities southward from Antioch, instead of north or west. ^ * JP- ^^^^ ^^' 

In the summer of 52 A. d., Paul visited their churches the second 

time, and then went to North Galatia.^ Soon the southern churches » Acts 16. 1. 

were disturbed. An embassy came to Paul, when the suiferings he 



*e.g., Achaia Rom. 15. 26; 1 Cor. 16. 15; 2 Cor. 1. 1 ; 9. 2 ; Macedonia, 
Rom. 15. 26 ; 1 Cor. 16. 5 ; 2 Cor. 1. 16 ; 2. 13 ; Judea, Rom. 15. 31 ; 2 Cor. 1. 16 ; 
Gal. 1. 22. In Asia Minor Paul only names Asia (1 Cor. 16. 19; 2 Cor. 1. 8; 2 
Tim. 1. 15), and Galatia (1 Cor. 16. 1; Gal. 1. 2). He never designates Asian 
provinces by national names. 

35 



36 BIBLE LITERATURE. 

10 Gal. 6. 17; had endured at Phiiippi were still in his mind.^" He was at Corintli. 
ep. 1 Thess. '■ ^ ' 

2- '■^' and from there early in the spring of 53 A. d., before Silas and 

Timothy joined him, he wrote this his first letter, which has been 
preserved to us. 

Its Character. — This epistle is most characteristic of St. Paul. 
The style is forcible, the arguments are condensed with wonderful 
power, and the transitions are sudden. Words of great directness 
are used. At times Paul argues as a Jew, but the bonds of Judaism 
are broken. 

Reproofs. — The tone of this letter is very similar to that of 

II Corinthians. It changes rapidly from severity to tenderness. Paul 

is most tender toward the congregations of Galatia. He remembers 

^^ l«8- that he founded them "and gave them the gospel. With sorrow he 

12 4. 1 ff. recalls his work among them,^^ and with sadness is he filled in view 

13 isflf. of the glad reception first accorded him.^^ Like a mother he felt 

^* 19. toward them.'^* But now by false teachers they are bewitched ^^ and 

15 3. 1. ^ "^ 

^^ ^' lj\ ^ ,^ hindered in their growth. ^^ Easily excited and changeable,^'^ they 

18 1. 6ff. ; are ready to turn from the only gospel of Christ.^^ In Paul, whom 

19 4. I2ff. they once SO highly regarded,^^ they have lost confidence. Therefore 

20 6. 11 ; to reestablish them in the truth, he writes with his own hand.^" 
cp. Rom. 16. ' 

22. Justification by Faith Alone, Defended. — There is a great 

similarity between this letter and Romans."^ The doctrine of justifi- 
cation there developed is here defended. Here are met the false 
teachers from Jerusalem, the Judaizers, whom Paul also opposes in 
II Corinthians. They demand the keeping of the law.*^ They have 
introduced Jewish festivals ^^ and they contemplated introducing 
more Old Testament law.'^^ With an appearance of liberality," 
they are seeking the favor of the Galatians,^^ who are Gentiles.^ 
But they are attempting to put the Galatians under the yoke of cir- 
cumcision.'^^ Christian freedom and the power of the gospel to save 
without law are endangered. 

St. Paul therefore sends forth at once this great defense of the 

*e. g., Gal. 3. 6 and Rom. 4. 8; Gal. 3. 7 and Rom. 4. 10, 11; Gal. 3. 8 and 
Rom. 4. 17; Gal. 3. 9 and Rom. 4. 23; Gal. 3. 10 and Rom. 4. 15; Gal. 3. 11 and 
Rom. 3. 21; Gal. 3. 12 and Rom. 4. 4, 5; Gal. 3. 15 ff. and Rom. 4. 13 ff.; 
Gal. 3. 22 and Rom. 11. 32, etc. 



21 


4.29; 




5.13; 




6. 12ff. 


23 


4.9. 


23 


21. 


24 


6. 13. 


25 


4.17. 


26 


2.2,5,8; 




4. 8; 5. 2 




6.12. 


27 


5.2ff, ; 




6.12. 



GALATIANS. 37 

gospel of free grace as the only saving truth.^^ Not by law and ^s i, a 

works, but by faith is man saved. But he who is saved by faith is 

free from the law. To return to the law is to abandon Christ. The 

freedom from the law and its curse, is freedom from sin and the flesh. 

The believer is a child of the Spirit. By the Spirit he fulfills the 

law in love.^^ The central facts of justification are strongly urged. 29 5. 14. 

There is no need of development as in Komans : the great essential 

truth must be upheld. This makes Galatians the powerful epistle of 

defense against all legalism. The true freedom of a Christian by 

faith is established. Therefore Galatians became the fighting epistle 

of the Reformation. 

How Divided. — It is divided into three equal parts. The 

first ^'^ defends Paul's authority and apostolic ofl&ce. After the greet- 30 1, 2. 

ing ^^ Paul claims that only the gospel he brought is the divine 31 1. 1-5. 

truth.^^ He received it from no man, but from Christ Himself.^^ ^^ 6-10. 

' 33 11-16. 

Therefore Paul did not go to the other apostles for confirmation.^* 34 17-24. 
They acknowledged him at Jerusalem as co-ordinate apostle to the 
Gentiles.^ Peter for a time denied the full result of justifying faith, 35 2. i-io. 
but had to suffer open rebuke from Paul.*^ 36 11-21. 

The second pao^t^'' unfolds the saving truth of justification by ^^ 3,4. 
faith alone, and, therefore, freedom from the law. The Galatians are 
to remember that their spiritual life came not by law, but through 
the Holy Spirit in faith. Nor was this a new experience. Abraham 
' believed and was justified.^^ There are two covenants in the Old ^^ 3. i-i4. 
Testament : that of promise to Abraham, that of law with Moses. 
The second is later and does not abrogate the first.'^ It does not 39 15-18. 
agree fully with God's unity, and has only come in between to 
develop the nature of sin, and to lead the soul to accept Christ.*" *<> i9-25>- 
But with the fulfillment the preparation closes. How glorious is the 
state of the children, free from the beggarly elements of the world ! *^ *^ 4. i-7. 
It is foolish to return to these.*^ Paul entreats the Galatians for the *2 g-ii. 
love they bear him, not to be led away by the false teachers, who 
seek themselves.*^ The law itself by the allegory contained in the ** 12-20. 
opposition of Isaac and Ishmael, Sarah and Hagar, shows that the 
freedom of faith is to be preferred to the law.** ** 21-81 



45 


5, 


e. 


46 


5. 


1-12. 


47 




13-26 


48 
49 


6. 


1-6. 
7-10. 



38 BIBLE LITERATURE. 

The third part *^ contains exhortations. It lays emphasis upon 
keeping the freedom from the law against all errorists.*^ The 
believers should in freedom walk in the Spirit, and not according to 
the flesh. *'^ In this life of the Spirit the chief thing is brotherly 
love.*^ The new spiritual life also regards God's just retribution.*^ 
After severe condemnation of the false teachers, Paul shows that he 
is living under the cross of Christ. And Christ, not circumcision, is 
11-18. ^jjg Qjjiy ^rj^y Qf peace and salvation.^" 

Summary. — The office of the true apostle and of every true 
teacher, must be defended for Christ's and the truth's sake. Truth 
knows of only one way of salvation, justification by faith. This 
grants holy freedom from all bondage of law. But the law is kept by 
faith, which worketh through love. And freedom is the life in the 
Holy Spirit, full of glorious fruits, which stand before God's judgment. 



PRACTICAL LESSONS. 

1. The apostles are direct witnesses of Christ. 

2. They are all equal and their position depends on their fidelity 

to truth. 

3. Only the faith which embraces Christ justifies. 

4. Faith works by love. It is never without love, but love does 

not justify. 

5. Faith makes free, so that man walks in the Spirit. 

6. This new life is approved by God. 



EPHESIANS. 



CHAPTER X. 

A new series of St. Paul's letters begins with Ephesians, the 
letters of the captivity. Beside Ephesians these embrace Philippians, 
Colossians, and Philemon. All bear clear evidence of having been 
written in imprisonment. * 

To Whom Addressed. — This letter to the Ephesians has the 
words " at Ephesus " omitted by some good ancient manuscripts. It 
has been argued, from this fact, combined with the general character 
of this epistle, which has no greetings, that it was a circular letter. 
The title would, in that case, have been inserted later. Some have 
supposed that this letter was that sent to the Laodiceans.^ But many iCoi. 4. 16. 
old manuscripts do contain the words " at Ephesus." Ephesus was 
the centre of the cities to which the supposed circular letter was 
addressed. Therefore even if a circular letter was sent, it would first 
go to Ephesus. Tychicus ^ js advised to give a personal account of ^ 6. 21. 
Paul in a manner which seems to point to a special place. The 
absence of greetings proves nothing, for II Corinthians and Gala- 
tians contain no greetings. It is possible that the letter was sent to 
Ephesus and the other cities, as II Corinthians was addressed to the 
church of God at Corinth, " with all the saints which are in all 
Achaia." This supposition is supported by such passages as 1. 5 ; 2. 2 ; 
3. 4, which sound special, and yet have a general application. 

Paul and the Ephesians. — Ephesus was a metropolis for art 
and trade. It was the place of the great temple of Diana with its 
worship, and also gathered into it many Asiatic superstitions.^ A few 3 Acts 19. 13. la 
of the disciples of John the Baptist had settled there, who were not 
yet Christians, but no longer Jews.* On his second journey Paul 4. Acts 19. i ff. 



* Eph. 3. 1 ; Phil. 1. 7, 12-17 ; 2. 23 ; 4. 10 ff. ; Col. i. 3, 10 , 18 ; Philem. 1 , 9, 10. 
18, 22, 23. 

39 



40 BIBLE LITERATURE. 

was " forbidden by the Holy Ghost " to preach in Ephesus and the 
5 Acts 16. 6. province of Asia ^ containing it. Upon his return he spoke in the 

7 AcS 11" 24'ff. Jewish synagogue.® Paul's third journey was really^ an evangeliza- 

tion of Ephesus and its vicinity. For three years he and his 

8 ActK 20. 81. co-workers labored there.^ Between the Christians at Ephesus and 

9 Acts 20. 37. Paul a most tender friendship arose.' God's word '' grew mightily 
u \cts 19' 19' ^^^ prevailed.^^ Even the magicians brought and burnt their books. ^^ 
12 Acts 19. 23 ff. The Roman power defended Paul against the riot of Demetrius. ^^ 

And yet it must have been then when he " fought with beasts at 

13 1 Cor. 15. 82. Ephesus," " for men were as beasts in the wild riot. But though the 

enemies did not prevail, yet through this uprising Paul was compelled 

soon to leave Ephesus. When he journeyed to Jerusalem he took a 

14 Acts 20. 17 ff. gad, affectionate leave of the elders of Ephesus at Miletus.^* The 

next communication was this letter. It was sent at the same time as 

^^SP"w^^" ^* Colossians and Philemon, and Tychicus bore it.^^ It could not have 

Col. 4. 7, 8. been sent from Csesarea, because there Paul did not have the freedom 

indicated in these letters, nor was he surrounded by the helpers 

named in them: Timothy, Luke, Aristarchus, Epaphras, Demas, 

Mark. All elements point to Rome. It was probably written from 

there in the second year of Paul's captivity, about 62 A. d. 

The Character of this Epistle. — Paul has passed here and 
in Colossians to another centre of truth. Christ, His person and 
work are mainly treated. Justification by faith is not the prominent 
subject, yet in the more personal letter to the Philippians it does 
occur.* New dangers had arisen. The Christian truth had to be 
developed along further lines. This is done in Ephesians system- 
atically. It is related to Colossians as Romans is to Galatians. Its 
style is strong and moves along with a rhythm like a hymn. Wonder- 
fully deep thoughts are unfolded in mighty j^eriods of great power. 
The rich truth overflows the bounds of grammatical structure. 

Its Purpose. — But while Christ's person and work stand forth, 
the special purpose is to show Christ as the Head of the Church. 
His glory, as the power of God, is seen in the Church, which is His 
body. To prepare this Church was God's eternal purpose. For this 
He chose the Jews and eternally planned salvation and redemption in 

* But also Epli. 2. 8 ff. 



EPHESIANS. 41 

Christ. Now he is uniting Jews and Gentiles in this one, universal, 
spiritual body. This is His building of the Church by the apostles 
and in the activity of individuals. The Church is exalted. Into it 
the fulness of Christ is being poured. 

Contents. — Ephesians is divided into two parts ; 1. doctrinal; ^^ ^^ 1-3. 
2. practical." ^^ 4-6. 

I. After a greeting ^^ the Apostle thanks God for the blessings ^* i.i, 2. 
given the Church. ^^ These are spiritual, predestined by the Father, ^^ 3-14. 
who chose men "to the praise of the glory of His grace." They are 
communicated through " The Beloved " (the Son), who brings redemp- 
tion, forgiveness, knowledge of God's plan, and inheritance for the 

saints, " to the praise of His glory." They are sealed to men by the 
Spirit of promise, who shall complete all " unto the praise of His 
glory." This spiritual state is acknowledged, and yet fuller knowl- 
edge of the power of God,^° is prayed for. 20 i9_i5. 

The power of God is manifest^' (1) in. Christ,^^ who is granted ^^ 20— 
resurrection, ascension, supremacy over the world, headship over the ^' !• ^^-^ 
Church ; (2) in all individuals,^^ as they are raised from spiritual ^3 2. i-io. 
death, ascend to spiritual heights, and show God's grace in their 
good works; (3) in all mankind,^^ as both Jews and Gentiles are ^^ 11-22. 
made one family, one temple, built on the foundation of prophets 
and apostles with Christ as corner-stone. 

The influence of God's power ^^ enables Paul to preach this great ^^ 3. 
truth of a universal Church, showing God's manifold wisdom. It 
should strengthen the Ephesians not to faint as they hear of Paul's 
sufferings, but to be strong in Christ, through love and knowledge of 
their gifts, that the fulness of divine life may be increasingly 
exhibited through them to the final glory of God's power. 

II. The whole Church is to keep unity ^^ but to recognize its ^s 4. 1-6. 

members' individuals gifts. ^^ Old Gentile sins are to be avoided, 27 7 -16. 

and all virtues cultivated that make for unity.^^ All classes and 28 17— 

5. 14. 
estates are to show the new life of unity and subjection to the Head: 

wives and husbands,^^ parents and children ,^^ masters and servants.^^ 29 21-33. 

'- 30 6. 1-4. 

All are to fight the good fight of faith. ^^ Tychicus is then com- ^^ 5-^- 

O & & J 32 10-20. 

mended and divine grace implored.^^ 33 21-24. 



42 BIBLE LITERATURE. 

Summary. — Ephesians is a mighty hymn of praise for God's 
power in Christ. In Him God chose man, through Him God 
redeemed man and formed a universal Church. This is the body of 
the eternal Christ, filled by Him with the fulness of His resurrection, 
ascension and dominion. Such gift is to move all Christians to show 
the new life in holy relations of true unity in all positions. 



PRACTICAL LESSONS. 

1. All depends upon God's saving power. 

2. He chose men eternally in Christ. 

3. Jesus is the Head of the Church. 

4. The resurrection, ascension and rule of the Head is given the 
members of His body. 

5. These gifts are present now in spiritual life. 

6. They shall abound to the fulness of Christ. 

7. The daily life in the home, in work, should show the power o*' 
holy harmony. 

8. This harmony comes from the spiritual unity of the Church. 



PHILIPPIANS. 



CHAPTER XI. 

St. Paul and the Church at Philippi. — Paul came to the 
city of Philippi on his second missionary journey. There he began his 
work in Europe. Quietly his labors opened by the river-side, where 
Lydia was won through the gentle influence of the gospel. But a con- 
flict soon arose. Avarice caused persecution, scourging, imprisonment. 
Though a whole family was gained by Paul in his bonds, yet he was 
compelled to leave.^ But Timothy was apparently left in Philippi.^ l t^^j-^ ^6. 16 ff 
The believers in this place were not spared trials,^ but the church s^'^^' 
grew. It sent money to Paul for his support, when he was at Thes- 
salonica, and continued doing so.* When Paul, six years later, came * 4.. 15 ff. 
again to Macedonia, he undoubtedly visited the Philippians. Per- 
haps he also sent them a letter previously.^ When they heard that ^3«i- 
he was in imprisonment in Eome, Epaphras "^ was sent with a gift. 
Epaphras became sick,^ and must have remained some time in Rome. ® 2. 30. 
When Paul then could send^iini back with this letter, it must have 
been toward the end of the first captivity, about 63 A. d. Paul was 
now in contact with "those of Caesar's household,"'' and his case was ^^ i. is, 16; 

' 4. 22. 

evidently being tried, for he says that his bonds became known to 

the pretorian court.^ f Others are preaching, some to assist Paul, ^ !• is. 

some to add affliction to him.^ He is uncertain what the end shall ^i^iSff. 

be, and death seems imminent. ^° Yet in this state of conflict Paul ^^ „ ?^ ^- » 

by faith sees freedom and continuance of human work before him, 

much as he might desire to be with Christ." n i. 2i ff., 25 ; 

^ 2. 24. 

Character of the Epistle. — Excepting Philemon this is the 
most personal of all the letters of Paul. It is not as forceful and majestic 
in argument as the others. There is an ease of form and diction, proper 
in a letter, but there is also eloquence of heart, delicate feeling and 



♦This is the shorter form for Epaphroditus. 

f The English Auth. Ver. wrongly translates " palace." 

43 



44 BIBLE LITERATUEE. 

expression, nowhere surpassed. When high subjects are approached 
there is great dignity and depth. Philippians j-eflects Paul's personal 
i" character, and his fine spiritual insight. He is seen in "his large 

sympathy, his womanly tenderness, his delicate courtesy, his frank 
independence, his entire devotion to the Master's cause." (Lightfbot.) 
Great is the bond of love between him and the Philippians. His 
letter is the pastoral letter of personal love. Full of assurance Paul 
not only tells of his work and progress, but reveals the inmost yearn- 
ings of his spirit to those whose tender, helpful sympathy has so deeply 
12 1. 7, 8. touched him. He has them in heart and longs for them.'^ They are 

13 4. 1. his joy and crown.^^ With the utmost confidence of friendship does 

i4l.i8ff. he unburden himself.^* For them he is ready to be offered up, and 

15 2. 17. pour out himself as a sacrifice.'^ Keadily, therefore, he parts with 

Timothy and Epaphras, though they might be helpfal to him, for 

16 2. 19 flf., 25. the sake of his dear Philippians.^^ 

17 1. 19- They pray for him,^' and participate in his joys, his work and his 

^^ !• 26. sorrows.^^ Therefore are they permitted to send him gifts; yet, these 

19 X 17 ^' ^® desired not, but " fruit, that might abound to their account."^' 

Its Exhortations. — No great sins need correction. Yet Paul 

20 1.9 flf. lovingly indicates that the Philippians need more knowledge,^" 

21 1. 28. greater patience in conflicts,^^ more harmony and humility.'^' 

22 X. 27 ; 
2. 2 AT. Warnings are given against the dissensions of Euodia and Syn- 

^^ ^« 2- tyche.'*' There seems to have been a danger from wrong assertion of 

these women. But greater is the danger of the false Judaizing 

24 3. 3 flf. teachers,^* against whom, out of love to the Philippians, Paul is very 

severe. The same spirit is shown as toward the Galatians in exalt- 
ing justification. Paul's regard for the Philippians is, however, 
more tender, as he defends them against the enemies that appeared in 
II Corinthians and Galatians. Another danger is heathen indul- 

35 3. 18 AT. gence ^° of the body. In warding off* this, Paul looks to the glorious 

future of the body, and an echo of I Cor. 15, is heard. 

Doctrines Exhibited. — There is also in this personal and 
distinctively New Testament epistle,* a wonderful fiilness of mighty 



* There is no direct Old Testament quotation ; it is seen only Indirectly 
In 2. 10, 11 ; 4. 18. 



PHILIPPIANS. 45 

truth interwoven with the stream of personal narrative. Jesus is 

shown, God and man, pre-existent, incarnate, suffering, risen, exalted, 

coming again,^^ and giving all comfort by His Spirit.^^ Through ^^^'^f-j^ 21 ■ 

Christ righteousness is to be apprehended by faith.^^ Upon such jyf'i'- 1 19 

truth joy is proclaimed.^^ Unity,^" humility, thankfulness and every 29 2! is- 

virtue is praised.'^ so f ! 27'; 2. 4 

Contents.— The flow of thought seems to be this: After the ^^2:'.l^8^'' 
opening greeting,^^ the apostle offers up an intense prayer of thanks- 32 1. 1,2. 
giving '^ for the Philippians' fellowship in the gospel. He tells the 33 3-11. 
congregation of his work, his personal condition, his fears and 
hopes.^* Mightily he exhorts to unity and humility.^^ Christ is 34 12-26. 
painted as the great example of self-denying humility. He, though 
in the form of God, became a servant.^^ Him are the believers 36 2. 5-11. 
bidden to follow.^^ Paul then returns to personal matters, relates 37 12-I6. 
how he hopes for a release, that he will send Timothy and Epaphras, 
who was ill, and shall soon return.'® It seems as though then the ss 17-30. 
apostle was about to close.'^ But remembering the dangers, he enters 39 3. 1. 
upon 

A Warning" Against Errors.*" — First are the Judaizers, 40 2—4.1. 
called dogs, evil workers, mutilators of the flesh. True circumcision 
is contrasted with false. The real power is faith.*^ But the life in 41 2-10. 
grace by faith must not be perverted to wrong freedom. Therefore, 
secondly, wrong liberty is opposed. Grace does not mean continu- 
ance in sin. The doctrine of faith and Paul's own example do not 
support this. There is an advance in Christian life, a reaching after 
the goal,'a looking to the heavenly citizenship, and not worldly indul- 
gence.*^ 42 11—4. 1 

After this digression Paul once more warns against divisions, and 
names the two great offenders.*' Again Paul apparently is about 43 4. 2, 3, 
to close with exhortations to holy joy, to freedom from care, to every 
virtue.** But something is still unsaid. Paul has not yet fully 44 4-9, 
thanked for the gift sent by Epaphras, though it was alluded to. 
With manly independence and fine courtesy the gift is acknowledged ; 
and any misgivings, that the Philippians may have had, allayed. Paul's 
own circumstances and feelings are laid open, and then blessing 



46 BIBLE LITERATURE. 

*5 4, 10-20. invoked upon the thoughtful love of the Philippians.*^ Greetings 

are sent from all to all, and the letter concludes with the bene- 

48 21-23. diction.** 

Summary. — Philippians shows the tender relations of a true 
shepherd to his flock ; how he cares, prays, spends himself for them, 
fights against their enemies, warns against sins, exhorts to greater 
virtue. And all is impelled by the mightiest example, Christ. Such 
love of the shepherd is answered by a considerate, loving flock. It is 
kept from the bondage of law, and the enticements of the flesh. 
The life of grace presses on toward the prize of the mark of its high 
calling. 



PRACTICAL LESSONS. 

1. How great a power is the love of a true teacher. 

2. Such love is self-sacrificing. 

3. It must warn earnestly against errors. 

4. It points to Christ's mind and spirit. 

5. The Church should lovingly support its teachers. 

6. It should keep free from bondage and license. 

7. It should seek unity, humility, and every virtue. 

8. Out of faith grows progressing sanctification. 



COLOSSIANS. 



CHAPTER XII. 

St. Paul and the Colossians. — Colossse in Phiygia, formerly 

most important, was declining in St. Paul's day. Laodicea and 

Hierapolis near it were larger. All three were situated in the valley 

of the Lycus, whose lime deposits were making the valley sterile. 

But Christianity found an asylum in this quiet valley. Its churches 

were not founded by Paul, who had only once passed through this 

region, and never returned to it.^ They were begun by Epaphras, 12.1. 

who also exercised supervision over them.^ Paul knew only Epaphras, ^ i« 6, 7; 

Philemon, and a few others.^ But he writes to Colossae and Laodicea * ^ i* t' \^ U «, 
' 2. 5; 4. loflf; 

in this letter, because Epaphras is, as it were, his substitute.^ Paul's suf- * ^* ^^• 
ferings and work are also to bless the unknown Colossians.^ For them e 1. 24. 
as for all Christians he prays,'' and with Epaphras is concerned about 7 1. 3-9. 
their salvation.® They too have a spiritual love for him.^ Therefore he « 2. 1 ; 4. 12. 
feels impelled to " fulfill the word of God " ^^ among them, in giving 10 1. 25. 
them fuller instruction in pursuance of his labor.^^ For he is not only a " l. 29. 
minister to bring the gospel, a missionary,^^ but also a ministerof the 12 1. 23. 
Church ^^ to teach all wisdom. An occasion is given him as now 131.24,25. 
Tychicus and Onesimus return to Colossae. Tychicus bears this 
letter,^* together with that to Philemon and to the Ephesians.^^ From ^t ^'^'t^ ^ o 

' ° ^15 cp. Eph. 6. 

Colossians the time of these letters can be determined as the second 21, 22. 
year of Paul's captivity, 62 A. d.* 

Character of this Epistle. — Colossians, sent with Ephesians, 
resembles it in thought and expression.f But its style is not marked 
by the latter's full, passionate flow of affection. The language is 
brief and condensed. Phrases are connected not by particles, but 



* See Ephesians. 

t Compare Col. 1. 13, 22 ; 2. 12, 14 and Eph. 2 ; Col, 1. 25, 28 and Eph. 3. 1 ff. ; 
Col. 2. 2, 3 and Eph. 8. 18, 19 ; Col. 2. 9, 10 and Eph. 3. 19 ; 4. 13 ; Col. 3. 12, 13 and 
Eph. 4. 2; Col. 3. 14 and Eph. 4. 3, 16; Col. 3. 18, 21 and Eph. 5. 21 ff, ; 6. 1. 

47 



48 BIBLE LITERATURE. 

relative pronouns and participles join on thoughts. There is agrea). 
compactness, and sentences are filled with overflowing power of 
truth. Withal there is a certain roughness. 

Its Objects. — These peculiarities are due not simi^ly to the fact, 
that Paul did not know the Colossians. His forceful language is 
directed against some dangerous error. The existence of this mainly 
moves him also to further instruction. Men were arising who sought 
to lower the divine dignity of Christ, and who substituted human 
wisdom. By a philosophy '' after the tradition of men and the rudi- 
i« 2. 8. ments of the world " ^^ they denied His eternity," His headship of the 

18 1,18. Church,^^ and that in Him dwelt "the fulness of the Godhead 

19 2. 9 ; 1. 19. bodily." ^^ These errorists were also very severe to the body, followed 

human commandments of "Touch not. Taste not, Handle not" in 

20 2.20flr. perishing things. '-^^ With a mock humility they held to worship of 
31 2. 18. angels, and brooded on wonders seen in visions.^^ In all this they 

were leading away men from Christ, the sole and sufficient Saviour, 
aa 1, 15. " the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of every creature." ^^ 

Their wisdom was a mixture of Jewish, human traditions, and of 
heathen wisdom. 

The Central Truth. — To uphold the truth Paul therefore puts 
in the centre Christ, the divine image of God, the fulness of the God- 
head, the Mediator of creation and redemption, the Head of the 
Church. Christ's person and work are exalted. The " mystery of 
God " becomes manifest in Him, in " whom are hid all the treasures 

23 2. 2, 3. of wisdom and knowledge." ^^ As the divine falness,^* He has power 

24 "I 19*2 9 

25 1* i5ff. ' * in the Universe.^^ On the cross He showed the weakness of all other 
26 2. 15. powers and principalities by triumphing over them.^® By His death 

men are freed from the corruption of sin. The new life, which con- 
ar 2. 12. sists not in laws, is given by baptism into Him.*" 

Its Contents, — With this as a centre the thought of this 

epistle is unfolded thus: 
28 1. 1, 2. After the greeting ^^ Paul enters upon an extended and wonder- 

«» 3-23. ful prayer of thanksgiving.*^ The Colossians, as Epaphras told him, 

so 3-8. have faith, love, hope, and knowledge of the truth of the gospel.^" 

But Paul prays that they may have greater knowledge in wisdom and 



COLOSSIANS. 49 

spiritual understanding, and that they may walk worthily of the 

Lord, as they give thanks to the Father, who liath delivered them 

from darkness and placed them into the kingdom of the Son.^'' In 311.9-is. 

Him, the very image of God, the beginning and aim of creation and 

the power that holds it together, is redemption and forgiveness of 

sins.^^ For He, the Head of the Church, the Eisen One, the Fulness ^^ 14-17. 

of God, hath effected an all-embracing reconciliation. The Colos- 

sians experienced its power and would be led to full holiness if they 

continued in faith and kept to the world-wide gospel, which Paul 

announced.^* 33 18-23. 

Paul relates how by his sufferings and work he is carrying out 
God's plan, and bringing human hearts under the power and to the 
ever greater riches of the mystery of God, now revealed in the gos- 
pel.^* Therefore, though he has not seen the Colossians, he takes ^4 24-29. 
deep interest in them and prays for them.^^ No beguiler should lead ^^ 2. 1-3. 
them from the steadfastness in Christ.^^ ^® ^> &. 

Admonitions. — They are to avoid error by walking in Christ, 
in whom they are to be built up.^'^ In Him, the divine fulness, ^t 6,7. 
is their redemption. By baptism they had received the fruit of 
His death and resurrection. Circumcision foreshadowed baptism. 
With Christ as Mediator, they should not be led to wrong abstinence, 
angel-worship, affected humility, but should receive all nourishment 
from Him, the Head.^^ As He died and rose again, they are to ^^ 8-19. 
be dead to the '"rudiments" (commandments, traditions) of the 
world and live in God.^^ In this life appetites and passions are ^® 20—3. 4. 
brought to death, evil habits are laid aside,*" and new graces, 403.5-11. 
growing out of love, rule by the power of the word of Christ.*^ Not ^^ 12-17. 
only individuals, but the whole family is to experience this new 
life, husbands and wives, parents and children, masters and 
servants.*^ All Christians are to persevere in prayer and be dis- *^ 18—4. 1. 
creet toward the heathen.*^ *3 4. 2-6. 

Other messages Tychicus is to bear and Onesimus, who is com- 
mended.** After greetings to some friends,*^ Paul sends a salutation ** 7-9. 

45 10-17. 

with his own hand and ends with a short benediction.*^ *^ I8. 

Summary. — Colossians unfolds the depth of wisdom and power 
4 



50 BIBLE LITERATURE. 

in Christ. He, as the eternal Son, begins and is the aim of creation, 
which He sustains. In redemption all proceeds from Him. He is 
the only Mediator, and of His divine fulness He gives to the Church, 
which is His body. All sin is conquered by His death. All strength 
of new life is in His resurrection. Their power is applied by 
baptism. Therefore no laws obtain but only the outworking of His 
life. His life in us produces every grace and changes hearts and 
homes. 



PRACTICAL LESSONS. 

1. Jesus is the eternal image of God. 

2. In Him dwells all the fulness of the Godhead. 

3. All wisdom and power are hid in Him. 

4. He is the central power of the created world and in redemption. 

5. All things are reconciled by Him. 

6. By baptism His redemptive power comes to men. 

7. His life renews every relation. 



I AND II THESSALONIANS. 



CHAPTER XIII. 
I THESSALONIANS. 

Thessalonica in the time of Paul was, what it still is, a flour- 
ishing centre of trade. Its inhabitants were Greeks, Eoman settlers, 
and many Jews. To it Paul came on his second missionary journey, 
together with Silas, after leaving Philippi.^ Timothy probably fol- 
lowed later, but only joined Paul at Berea.^ Hither Paul and Silas 
had fled because the Jews, envious that many Greeks and some of the 
foremost women believed, had raised a riot at Thessalonica.^ This the 
Jews repeated at Berea.* The congregation at Thessalonica continued to 
suffer persecution Jfrom the Jews.^ This rendered Paul anxious and twice 
he planned to return^ and comfort the young church in its trials, but 
Satan hindered him. Therefore Timothy was sent from Athens, "^ 
whither Paul had gone with his companions from Berea. Soon Tim- 
othy returned and joined Paul and Silas in Corinth.^ He brought a 
favorable report ^ of the growth of the church, and its perseverance in 
suffering. Then, after this short time,^" Paul wrote, for there were also 
sins to be warned against." Yet, since he left Thessalonica, perhaps 
three-quarters of a year had elapsed, for the faith of the Thessalonians 
had become known in Achaia and Macedonia.^^ His letter, therefore, 
was probably sent in spring 53 A. d., shortly after Galatians. 

The Purpose of this Epistle. — The chief purpose of this 
letter was to congratulate the Thessalonians upon their faith and to 
encourage them to remain stedfast. But in rebuking sin,^^ an error 
had to be met which arose about Christ's coming. That Jesus would 
come again to judgment had always been an element of apostolic 
teaching. The earnestness of faith leaped across the barriers of time. 
But the Thessalonians in their suffering expected an almost imme- 
diate return of Christ. They were troubled about those who had 
died. Would these also enter into the joy of Christ?^* To allay 

51 



1 Act 16. 19 ; 
17.1. 

I Thess. 2. 2. 

2 Acts 17. 10, 

14. 

3 Acts 17. 4, 5. 

4 Ads 17. 13. 

5 Acts 17. 5 ff. 
1 Thess. 1.6: 
2. 15. 

6 1 Thess. 2. 18. 
7 1 Thess. 8. 
Iff. 



8 Acts 18. 1. 

9 1 Thess. 3. 6. 

10 1 Thess. 2. 11. 

11 1 Thess. 4. 
3ff. 

12 1.7,8; 4.16. 



13 4. 1 ffi 



1*4. 13ff. 



52 BIBLE LITERATURE. 

this error, Paul must teach them that the sleeping departed would pre- 
cede the living in the return of Christ. He seems also to have been 
compelled to defend himself against charges of deceit and covetous- 

15 2. 1 ff. ness.^^ Perhaps, seeing that the Philippians sent money to Paul,* 

the husbands or friends of the prominent women had raised this 
accusation. 

In this early and practical letter we find, as in Galatians, that 
Paul's earliest preaching contains all that his later letters give. He 
only unfolded the truth over against error. The full outlines were 
revealed to him when he began his work. Thus in this letter Jesus 
is seen as Lord, co-joined with the Father, prayed to, redeeming, risen, 

i®l«i.iO; giving life to men, coming to judgment. ^^ These truths imply the 

^* l'^^' '«o fullest statements of Colossians. Similarly we find that at this early 

5. 9, 10, 23. "^ "^ 

17 5. 12 ff. ; time there were already elders placed over the churches." 

23- Contents. — Two parts are distinguishable in this letter: First, 

18 1-3. a personal, historical part ; ^^ second, an ethical and doctrinal part. ^' 

20 1.]. First — After the greeting^" Paul tells the Thessalonians how he 

ever remembers them in prayer, and exhorts them to faith, love and 
hope. Joy fills his heart that they have received the gospel, become 

21 2-10. followers of God and him, and an example to the churches.^^ But 

they are to recall that he came sincerely to help them. Love and 
fatherly care, and not covetousness led him. He thanks God that 
they received '' the word of the message " as God's word. They should 

22 2. 1-16. then stand firm in the persecution of the Jews.^^ Ever since his 

departure had he sought to return. But since he could not, Timothy 
was sent, whose report filled him with thanksgiving, renewed his 

2s 17—3. 13. longing for them and made his intercession the more earnest.^^ 

Second —But, as Timothy tells, there are some sins. The believers 
should w^alk before God, as Paul commanded them. They ought to 
keep free from uncleanness and avarice. They were to glory in work 

24 4. 1-12. and not in idleness.^* In the Lord's coming the dead shall rise first, 

then shall the living be caught up to His glory. Suddenly will Christ 

25. 13—5, 11. come : therefore all ought to watch and be sober. ^^ In all relations 
of life, the proper honor, patience, forgiveness, joy, soberness, prayer- 
* See Philippians. 



I AND II THESSALONIANS. 53 

fulness, holiness, discrimination should be used.^* After an earnest ^^ 5. 12-26. 
charge that this epistle be read before all, Paul closes with the 
benediction." ^'^ 27, 28. 

Summary. — In great trials Christians must hold fast to the 
truth, and live worthily of the Lord. Then can they confidently look 
to His sudden coming at which the dead shall rise first. 



PRACTICAL LESSONS. 

1. By the strength of God's word all trials can be borne. 

2. The Christian cannot receive his glory here. 

3. He must be free from the world, its license and avarice. 

4. He must look for Christ, who shall raise the dead and take up 

the living. 

II THESSALONIANS. 

Its Character. — This second letter resembles the first in char- 
acter, and refers to it.^^ The Thessalonians had progressed in faith *» 2. 15. 
and borne their trials with fortitude.^^ Yet the persecution seems to ^^ !• 8, 4. 
have become severer, and Paul breaks forth Into holy, passionate 

announcement of judgment and destruction of the enemies.^" All aoi.sff. ; 

•^ ^ 2. 5ff. 

that exalts itself against Christ shall be destroyed. Some of the Thes- 
salonians were still idle and unruly.^^ The others had been comforted ^^ 3. 4, lo, ii 
about their dead, but were now more excited about the speedy coming 
of the Lord.^^ Their error had been confirmed by a forged letter of 32 2. i ff. 
Paul,^* and he writes, that the greeting with his own hand is the sign 33 2. 2. 
of genuineness.^* This true letter was sent probably in the summer 34 3, 17. 
of 53 A. D. 

Its Purpose. — The main purpose is to teach that the Lord's 
coming is not imminent. Many expecting the Lord had, in excite- 
ment, given up work.^^ Paul tells them that " the man of sin "^^ must be 3s 3, 10 ff. 

36 2.3. 

developed first. There is still " he who now letteth,^^ i. e., a restrainer. ^^ 2. 7. 
A restraining power represented by a person is keeping back the lull 
outgrowth of wickedness. When this power shall cease, then shall 
Christ come soon. Over against Him is the " man of sin," the Anti- 
christ. As Christ is revealed, the Son of salvation, so there is a reve- 



38 


2. 


.3. 


39 


2. 


,i. 


40 


2. 


.7. 


41 


2. 


,9. 


42 


2. 


,8. 


43 
44 


k 


2. 


45 


1. 


1-4. 


46 




5-9. 


47 




10-12. 


48 


2. 


1-12. 


49 




18-17. 


50 


3. 


1-5. 


51 




6-12. 


62 




13-18. 



54 BIBLE LITERATURE. 

lation of the "son of perdition." ^^ As Christ, God, is worshipped, so 
Antichrist makes himself God to be worshipped.^* As Christ brings 
the mystery of godliness, there is "the mystery of iniquity."*® As 
Christ has signs and wonders, so Antichrist has Satanic signs and 
wonders.*^ But Christ shall consume that Wicked One, the Antichrist, 
with the spirit of His mouth.*^ 

Contents. — Two parts are found in this letter: First, the doc- 
trinal ; *' second, the practical.** 

First — After thanksgiving for spiritual growth and patience in 
persecution,*^ Paul points to the day of impartial judgment, of the 
refreshment of the saints, and punishment of the wicked. ** Christ 
shall then be glorified in the saints, and they in Him.*' There shall be 
no day of Christ until the full revelation of the man of sin. He is 
still restrained.*^ But Christians shall thank God for their salvation 
and stand fast.** 

Second — In the love of God the Thessalonians are to be firm, and 
wait patiently for Christ. ^" From the idle and unruly they are to 
withdraw. All are to work. The Apostle did so for example's sake, 
and asked for no support. ^^ All are encouraged to obedience, and are 
given the benediction.^^ 

Summary.— It is idle to speculate about the Lord's coming, 
which is unknown. But as His kingdom develops, Satan's kingdom 
will grow and be represented by Antichrist. He will in all things 
imitate Christ. But as yet his power is held back. The full sway of 
the " man of sin " is a sign of the end. To the unbeliever, judgment 
brings condemnation ; to the believer, joy and hope. 



PRACTICAL LESSONS. 

1. We must wait for the Lord, but not try to determine the time. 

2. Satan will demand in Antichrist divine honor and do super- 

natural works. 

3. In this world God uses human governments to restrain the full 

freedom of sin. 

4. At the end wickedness will rule unbridled. 

6. Then shall Christ come to destroy the wicked and deliver the 
saints. 



I AND II TIMOTHY. 



CHAPTER XIV. 

The Pastoral Epistles. — The letters to Timothy and Titus 
are called the pastoral epistles. They contain directions for pastoral 
work. In style they agree, though II Timothy shows peculiarities. 
In general their vocabulary differs from the other Pauline letters; 
their structure is loose, and their forms more stereotyped. Favorite 
expressions are: "This is a faithful saying,"^ "God our Saviour," ^ ii Tim. 1. 15; 
"sound doctrine,"^ "sound speech,"* "faithful word,"^ "sound 2 Tim. 2.11. 

-lit. o. o. 

words."* Christian life, especially in I Timothy, is viewed as "god- 21 Tim. 1. 1; 

liness."' Yet these new terms find their explanation in the aim of J^*"^i-^' 

2. 10; 8. 4. 

these letters to instruct pastors. * \ Tim. 1. 10. 

^ 2 Tim. 4. 8. 

God is called Saviour because the gospel and grace are God's, ^ ^ ^j^- o" | ' ^* ^ 

and in reconciliation God was in Christ,^ and Christ is God. Doctrine I J^Tim ^i is 

was ever important to Paul ; ^^ and we find in these epistles that his "^ io^^g^il • 4 7 

great teaching of justification by faith,^^ and therefore his opposition to I'Ttm.^'. 5. 

works ^^ and to emphasis on circumcision and the law,^' have not ceased, s Rom. 1.' 1. 

He meets the new errors^* which cluster about Jewish fables, geneal- 92 Cor! 5.' 19,* 

ogies and vain affirmations of the law.^^ They cause idle discussions 11 Tit. 3. 5 ff. 

12 2 Tim 1 Q 

and strife.^* The errorists teach " doctrines of devils " and " lies in 13 Tit. 1. 10,* 14 ; 

3. 9. 

hypocrisy," forbid marriage and command abstinence from food.^^ 14 iTim. 1. 5 ff., 

There is a claim to knowledge " falsely so called."^^ But these heresies 2 Tim. 2. 8 ; 

are of the same kind as the Jewish-heathen errors warded off in Tit! 1. 10 ; 

3. 9. 
Colossians. That against them the Church and Christ are upheld ^^ i^ 1 Tim. 1. 4, 7. 

^ ^ 2Tim. 4. 4. 

is natural. The high estimate of the Church is only a special appli- Tit- 1. 14 ; 

cation of the truth in Ephesians.^" The Christ as "God manifest in ^^i^im. 1. 4,e. 

^ 2 Tim. 2. 16, 

the flesh " is the same that is proclaimed in Colossians and Philippians. 23. 
It is also natural that the officers in the Church and their duties should H \ ^|JJJ- ^ |(p 
be enumerated, and directions for discipline and for pastoral conduct 20 cp'^Eph ^1 ^ 
toward various classes given. But while the " widows " seem to be a ^' 

55 



56 BIBLE LITERATURE. 

new class of persons for service in the Church, yet the other officer 

21 Acts 6 ; 14. are found there early and rest upon the gifts of grace.'^^ The hymn,** 

Romfi2.^7 ff! ^v^ic^ is ^ confession, finds its counterpart in Ephesians 5. 14 ; and in 

Ephy*4!n!^' *^® common prayer. Acts 4. 24ff., is the foundation for the exhor- 

23 1 Tim*. 2. 1 ff. tation ^^ to congregational prayer. All these elements do not point 

beyond the time of Paul, who remembers his past, but glories in his 

^*12^"^'2^V ministry and apostleship.^* The pastoral letters call, however, for an 

2 Tim. 1. 11. extension of Paul's life beyond the account in Acts. 



I TIMOTHY. 
When Paul writes to his constant scholar and helper, Timothy, 
^^^^*2 24^^' ^® ^^ again free. His expectation,^^ which rested upon the observation 
of the outcome of his trial at Rome,^" was realized. It is different from 

26 Acts 20. 22, his expectation of death as he goes to Jerusalem.^® Perhaps he had first 

24; 21. 18. r- & r 

27 Rom. 15. 24. gone to Spain.'^'' But he had also made a journey to Macedonia, ^^ and 
30 1 * ^ ' ^* ^^* ^^P^s ^^ come to Ephesus, where Timothy now is,^^ and is to remain.^" 

Timothy is to supervise the whole Church. The directions given do 
not fit any earlier time. Nor is the stay of Timothy that of Acts 20. 
Iff., for Timothy had to accompany Paul to Macedonia. The short 
trip of Paul to Corinth f is also inconsistent with the statements here, 
that imply a long absence and no presence shortly before. It is most 
probable, then, that Paul is on the return from Spain, and wrote this 
letter probably in 65 A. d. 

A Letter to a Pastor. — Timothy is occupying the place of 
the Apostle's representative in Ephesus. His work is that in the 
organized Church. This letter is, then, a letter for the pastor in his 
parish. It seems as though Timothy needed stirring up. He is most 
earnestly enjoined and warned.'^ No one is to despise his youth, but 
he is to be an example.^'^ Yet in his bodily weakness he is to make 
provision for his body.'* But the main object of this letter is to warn 
Timothy against empty, wordy heresies, which the teachers are to 
avoid.** 



31 


1. 

5. 


18; 
21; 


4 


.11; 




6. 


9, 11, 


20. 


32 


4. 


12. 






33 


5. 


23; 








cp 


..4. 


.8. 




34 


4. 


7; 


6. 


20. 



* Compare Philippians. f See II Corinthians. 



I AND II TIMOTHY. 57 

Contents of I Timothy.— After the greeting '^ Timothy is 351.1,2. 

exhorted (1) to keep sound doctrine.'^ Grace is the truth, of which ^^ 8-11. 

Paul's life is a proof.^"' This charge Timothy is to hold against apos- ^^ 12-17. 

tates.38 (2) Order is to be kept in worship. Prayer is to be devoutly ^^ ^^-^^' 

offered for all men,^^ and woman is not to teach publicly, but to learn ^^ ^* ■'•"'^• 

in silent subjection.*** (3) Church officers, whether bishops,''^ or dea- ^13. 1I7.' 

cons,*2 are to have due qualifications. (4) After the mystery of godli- *^ ^-^^' 

ness is announced, which the Church, as the pillar and ground of the 

truth, keeps, *^ Timothy is warned against heretics,** and enjoined to be H^ J^~J^- 

a true teacher.*^ (5) He is shown wisdom in regard to the old,*^ the H ^ J^-ie. 

widows,*^ the elders,*^ servants *^ and errorists.^" (6) His own life must H lj].%^ 

be free from worldliness,^^ and his faith be exemplified in his walk.^^ J^ 6. 1^2. 

The rich are to be exhorted to do good,^' and false teaching is to 52 12-I6. 

53 17-19! 
be avoided.^* 54 20-21. 



II TIMOTHY. 

This second letter shows Paul as again a captive. He is in 
chains in Eome.^^ For his work as an apostle he is imprisoned,^^ 55 1.8,16,17; 

^. (7. 

and cannot preach as in the first captivity.^^ Others must carry on ^^ l« 12. 
the yvork. He is chained like a criminal,^^ yet his helpers can visit ^^2.9. 
him.^' Demas has gone back into the world, Crescens is working in ^^ ^* ■^•'^» -^2. 21. 
Galatia, Titus in Dalmatia.^" Only Luke is with Paul," and Tim- eJi'.n. 
othy is to come at once, before winter, and bring Mark.^^ For Paul is ^^ ^* ^' ^^' 21* 
looking to the end of his earthly fight.^^ His contest will soon be ^^ ^* '^' 
ended, and he is ready to be offered up.^* * The Lord who delivered him ^* ** ^' 
in past persecutions,^^ and once before out of the mouth of the Koman ®^ ^* ^^' 
lion,^* has now for him the crown of righteousness.^'^ All these indica- g? 4* 11* 
tions make it probable that this letter was written in the summer of 
66 A. D., shortly before Paul suffered martyrdom. 

A Letter to a Missionary. — Timothy is here exhorted to the 
work of proclaiming the Gospel.^ From the day that Paul accepted 684. 5. 
him as helper he was a preacher of the Gospel,^^ and had thus 69 1. 6. 



* Compare the same and similar expressions in the first captivity. — 
(Phil. 1.23, 80; 2. 17; 3.14.) 



58 BIBLE LITERATURE. 

70 3. loff. approved himself.''^ This is the letter for the pastor as mis- 

^^ 2. 8. sionary. The warfare in the extension of the Kingdom " is commended. 

72 2. 2; 4. Iff. Timothy shall continue the work and commit it to others also." 

^^^•^'2* Contents. — After the greeting,'' and the acknowledgment of 

75 6-10. Timothy's fidelity/^ he is encouraged to remain true to the gospel,'^ for 
which Paul suffers, whom some have turned away from, while Onesi- 

^^ 9 1 V^' phorus refreshed him.'^ Courage and constancy are to mark Timothy,'^' 

78 9, 10. after Paul's example.'^** He is to avoid word-strifes and approve him- 

79 11-26. gg]f^ especially in view of eternity.'^ The corrupt men are described, 

80 3. 1-9. whose errors Timothy is to avoid, ^"^ while he is to hold to the true doc- 

81 10-17. trine of Paul and the Scriptures.^^ The true word is to be preached 

83 ^* 6-1' against the errorists, though men turn away.^^ Paul predicts his end,^^ 

84 9-18. g^j^j Timothy is asked to come soon.^* With personal directions and 

85 14-22. greetings Paul closes his last letter.^^^ 

Summary. — The work of the ministry is to extend the Church, 
and to maintain it when established. In doing this, error must be 
avoided and warned against, and the truth preached. Order must be 
observed and wisdom shown toward all classes of men. Discipline 
dare not be wanting. The life of the pastor must be free from world- 
liness, and be an example to others, while it glorifies Christ, who is 
served. All oflScers of the Church must have gifts and lead a holy 
life. Woman is not to teach publicly. 



PRACTICAL LESSONS. 

1. The Church must be extended and maintained. 

2. A true teacher holds to sound doctrine and opposes error. 

3. The life of a pastor must be Christ-like. 

4. All officers of the Church must be duly qualified and holy. 

5. Order must be kept in the Church. 

6. Woman's true sphere is the home. 



TITUS-PHILEMON. 



CHAPTER XV. 
TITUS. 

The Epistle to Titus. — The third pastoral letter is addressed to 

Titus. He was by birth a Gentile/ but a child of Paul by faith, i Gal. 2. 8. 
"^ ' J > 2 Tit. 1. 4. 

converted on the first missionary tour. Paul refused to circumcise 

him, that evangelical freedom and the gospel might stand agaiust the 

Jewish demands. Titus became Paul's constant attendant,^ and dur- ^ 2. Cor. 7. is, 

' 14; 8. 6,16 ff.; 

ing the third missionary journey was sent from Ephesus to Corinth. ^2. 18. 

After this he is known again only through this letter. 

After his first captivity Paul had been also in the island of 
Crete,* shortly before this letter was written. Its style and manner * 1. 5. 
connect it closely with I Timothy, and it was probably written in the 
same year, 65 A. d. 

Its Object. — Paul wrote to Titus to aid him in establishing the 
Church in Crete. While I Timothy is the letter for the established 
Church in Ephesus^ under Timothy's supervision,^ and II Timothy ^cp^iTim. 5. 
is the epistle for the general work and extension of the Kingdom, ® ^ ^^^- ^- ^^• 
Titus is the letter for the organization of a new church. 

Conditions to be Met. — Wherever Paul went he began to 
order, organize and place elders as soon as a congregation had gath- 
ered about the gospel. This he did from the beginning.'^ In Crete ^ Acts^il' 2 j'^ 
such work had also been begun, and Titus was to continue. This 
inceptive organization may explain why the deacons and widows, 
mentioned in the fiilly organized Church at Ephesus,^ are not yet * ^ ^^^- ^- '' '^ 
found here. Great difficulties seem to have beset Paul in his work at 
Crete, not only because of the idle, deceptive character of the 
Cretans,* but also because Jewish errorists *" had come, who opposed ^i*^^)". <» 
sound doctrine," were unruly and reprobate,^^ and by their teaching ^^ !• ^j; . 
and disputing disturbed Christian homes.^^ They worked mainly for is i. ii. 

59 



60 BIBLE LITERATURE. 



1* 1. 11. 



"filthy lucre's sake."^* As heretics they caused separation, and were 

15 3. 10. to be rejected after two admonitions.^^ So deeply was Paul grieved 

and so many Cretans seemed to have followed the deceivers, that 
Paul sends greetings only to those who love him and his helpers in 

i6 3.;i5. the faith.^* Titus is to show himself a pattern in life and sound 

18 1*12.^' teaching," that the accusations of the liars ^^ maybe vain. Paul, in 

^^ !• 1- all he says, speaks as an apostle.^^ 

While Titus is doing his work he is to dispatch Zenas, the 

20 3. 18. lawyer,'^'' and Apollos on their journey. He is to come to Paul and 

spend the winter with Paul at Nicopolis, when Artemas or Tychicus is 

21 3. 12. sent to him.2i 

Though the main purpose of this letter is practical, yet against 
error Paul summarizes the doctrine of free grace as it is applied in 

22 3, 5 flf. baptism ^^ with wonderful power. He combines all the essential ele- 

ments in the earlier letters on the relation of baptism to Christian life. 
Its Contents. — The plan of Titus is as simple as I Timothy. After 

23 1. 1-4. an introduction,^^ Paul lays down the qualification for elders.'^* Excel- 

lent men are to be sought, for errorists are numerous, against whom the 

35 10-16. sound doctrine must be defended.^^ In accordance with this doctrine 

26 2.1-10. the duties of old and young, free and slaves,^^ are to be unfolded. 

The saving grace of God is also educative, and teaches men to deny 

3T 11-15. ungodliness and live holily.^^ This life of obedience to authority, '■^^ 

gentleness and meekness to men, comes from the regenerating love of 
God, experienced in baptism. It leads to a blessed hope and good 

29 5-8. works.^' With heretics Titus is to have nothing to do.'" After per- 

30 9-11. 

31 12-15. sonal directions and greetings Paul closes.^^ 

Summary. — In establishing a church the office of the Word must 
be well bestowed. It is to guard against error, defend the truth and 
lead men into holiness. Sound doctrine, accompanied by holy life, 
is the first object. It flows from the teaching of God's free mercy 
and justification. 

PRACTICAL LESSONS. 

1. The ministry of the Word must be kept pure. 

2. Able and holy men should fill it. 



TITUS— PHILEMON. 61 

3. Error must be met and heretics excluded. 

4. Sound doctrine must ever be taught. 

5. All sound doctrine centres in the truth of God's mercy and 

justification of the sinner. 

6. In baptism God gives His regenerating Spirit of grace. 



PHILEMON. 

When Tychicus bore the letters to the Colossians ^^ and Ephe- ^^ coi. 4. 7. 
sians during Paul's first captivity, about 62 A. D., he also carried this 
letter to Philemon. Philemon, whose wife was Apphia, and whose 
probable son Archippus^^ was an elder, had been converted by ssveri. 
Paul.^* Philemon was a well-to-do Christian of Colossae, in Avhose house 3* ver! 19. ' 
Christians gathered.^^ Onesimus, his slave, who had been unprofit- 35 2. 
able and run away,^^ came to Paul in Rome, and was converted, se n, is. 
Paul now sends him back, a Christian, to Philemon, with Tychicus 
and this letter. 

It is a letter of personal request and love, charmingly written 
with a certain playfulness,* but with a fine rhythm and eloquence of 
true friendship and Christian love. 

Contents. — After the salutation," Paul thanks for Philemon's 3^ i-s. 
love and faith, and prays for him, who refreshed the saints.^^ But he ^* 4-7. 
has a request. He might command, but he, the aged, suffering 
apostle, asks in love.'^ Onesimus is his spiritual child, and will now ^^ 8, 9. 
be profitable.*" Paul loves him as himself, and sends him back only *** 10. n* 
out of regard to Philemon.*^ It was providential that Onesunus *^ 12-u. 
should go away for a short time, that Philemon might have him as a 
brother, whom he should now love in the Lord, and not only as a 
slave in the flesh.*^ Paul asks that Onesimus be received as he him- 42 15, I6. 
self would be.*^ Any loss that Onesimus caused Paul will repay, and *3 17. 
gives a bond by his signature,** though Philemon owes all to Paul. ** I8, 19. 
He knows that Philemon will do more than he asks,*^ and expects to *^ 20, 21. 

*6 22. 

visit him.** All send greetings.*'^ *'^ 23, 24. 



*e. g. Paul plays on the name Onesimus, which means profitable. He is 
now to be as his name, and not unprofitable (11, 15). 



62 BIBLE LITERATURE. 

Its Value. — This short epistle is of great value. It permits us 
to look into Paul's deep, considerate, helpful love, to note his delicate 
gentlemanliness and refinement, combined with true frankness and 
wonderfiil tact. The power of brotherly love among early Christians 
is seen. It entered upon the solution of the social question of that 
time, slavery. What Paul inculcates, I Cor. 7. 21, 22 ; Gal. 3. 28 ; 
Eph. 6. 5 ; Col. 3. 22ff. ; I Tim. 6. 1, 2 ; Tit. 2. 9, 10, is shown in 
practice. The slave, who often became unruly and dangerous, is not 
suppressed as by the Romans. He is made a brother in Christ. But 
this spiritual equality does not at once change his social standing and 
condition in the world. Inwardly the gap between master and slave 
is bridged over. The slave is no longer a chattel, but a soul. He 
receives the motive of love for duty, and the master regards him in 
Christ, and loves him thus. This relation will bring outward change. 
Christianity, however, has no program of revolution, but of individual 
regeneration, and of the establishment of universal brotherly love in 
Christ. 

Summary. — Christian love can save the lowest. It makes 
them saints and brothers. Before God in Christ all are alike. But 
outward differences of station are not violently abolished. Their sinfiil 
exaggeration is overcome by love of Christ. The power of Christian 
personality must regenerate society. The Church must reform spirit- 
ually by love, and not by law or force. 



PRACTICAL LESSONS. 

1. The love of Christ saves the lost. 

2. It makes true men and women. 

3. In Christ all are alike. 

4. In the world there are different calls. 

5. Outward differences are temporal. 

6. The Church does not reform by force and law, but leavens the 

world with love. 

7. Man solves social questions by blood and impatiently. 

8. God would have them solved by waiting, sacrificing love. 



HEBREWS. 



CHAPTEE XVI. 

Style and Authorship. — Only in a free way is Hebrews called 
an epistle. It is rather a general treatise, which has a few elements of 
a letter in the personal references in 13. 22 f. Its style is very poetic 
and rhetorical. Full, sonorous, significant words, and telling figures 
of speech are combined in beautiful periods. The order of words 
shows thorough grammatical training. The spirit of the form is like 
Hebrew wisdom unfolded with Greek refinement. Hebrews is the 
most elegant of the New Testament books. This peculiarity of style 
and lack of definite historical testimony make it clear that Paul, who 
claims to be " rude in speech," ^ did not write this letter. Paul mostly ^ ^ ^°'' ^^* ^* 
writes in the singular ; in this epistle the editorial plural prevails.^ * 2. 5 ; 

5> 11 ! 

Paul mostly uses " Jesus Christ," or " Christ Jesus," not so often ^^ 6. i, 3, 9 ; 
•' ' ' the singular 

"Jesus" as does this letter. Yet single words and expressions agree 13.19,22. 

with those of Paul's letters. Apparently one of Paul's disciples, who 

knew Timothy,^ wrote Hebrews. The author had not seen Jesus, * 

but only heard His message.* It is possible, as Luther thought, that * 2. 3. 

Apollos, the eloquent Alexandrian, wrote Hebrews. The language and 

references ^ suit him. The great exhortations, with which the teach- 5 cp.Tit. 3. 13. 

ing alway ends, also point to the mighty preacher.* But there is no e 2. 1 ff ; 

3. 1 ff; 
certainty. God only knows the author. 6. 1 ff ; 

•^ *^ 10. I9ff; 

To Whom Addressed. — The people addressed were Hebrews. 12. iff. 

The title, added later, agrees with the reference 13. 13: the figura- 
tive expression, " going without the camp," means to leave the Jewish 

people. The forefathers,'^ must also be Jews, of the seed of 7 i.i;3. 9; 

11 2 39 ff ' 
Abraham.^ All the references to Jewish history, ritual and practice 12! 23. ' 

8 2. 16. 

presuppose Hebrew readers. The greetings fi-om Italian Jews^ make 9 13.24. 
it probable, that the letter was sent to the Jewish members of the 
Eoman Church.* They have their own meeting place,^** and their 1010.25. 



* Compare Romans, 

88 



64 BIBLE LITERATURE. 

13 13*24 ^^^^ elders," but are not to forget to greet all.^^ The writer hopes 

13 13.19. soon to come to them.^^ Behind them lies the memory of great suf- 

^^I'V?''^^' fering.^* This was possibly the persecution of Nero, who died 68. 

If the forty years of Heb. 3. 9 are to have a real application, the time 

should be later than 70. Early testimony makes it plausible that 

the time was not later than 80 A. d. 

Its Occasion and Object. — These Hebrews, who had shown 
their labor of love ^^ and were purged from dead works, ^^ are now in 
danger of relapsing.^'^ Some need the special help of the others,^^ 
but they are all in danger of apostasy from the living God and 
Christian faith.^^ They are spiritually dull of hearing, ^^ have become 
weary and faint in faith, '^^ and need constant urging to hold fast to 
the true hope,^^ and the full promise of the people of God.^^ Faith, 
as the substance of things hoped for,^* which was the power at all 
times, is suffering. In afflictions the Hebrews are becoming faint. ^^ 
Like their fathers they are dissatisfied,^® and seem ready like Esau to 
sell their birthright." They are in danger of rejecting Christ and 
His blood. ^^ Therefore they must be upheld in faith and trust in 
God's grace against strange doctrines ^^ of legal observances. 

Its Theme. — Consequently Christianity is emphasized as 
bringing the better, final and eternal hope, by which we draw 
nigh to God.^° It came through Jesus, the Son of God, who is the 
true prophet, above all angels, above Moses, but who is chiefly the 
great high priest. Through Him is the real atonement,^^ clearing the 
conscience,^^ and giving full access to God.^^ There is now an 
eternal salvation,^* redemption,^^ inheritance ^® and covenant.^'' 

Contents. — This truth is first unfolded,^^ and then followed by 
practical injunctions.^' 

I. Jesus is the Eternal Son, who has spoken as the final 
prophet,*" As the Father's image He is above all angels. He is the Son 

41 4-14. above servants, king above subjects, creator above creatures.*^ For 

this cause salvation, brought about by His death, is so great and 

42 2. must be kept.*'^ Mighty is Jesus above Moses, who faithful as he 

43 3. 1-6. was, was but servant.** But faithful must every one be, who would 

44 7—4, 13. obtain the rest, which the fathers lost.** Fidelity is possible because 



15 


6. 


10. 


16 


9. 


14. 


17 


3. 


12; 




4. 


1,11; 




12. 


15, 16. 


18 


10. 


24; 




12. 


18, 15. 


19 


2. 


1; 3.7; 




4. 


2; 




6. 


4ff; 




10. 


26 fl'; 




12. 


17, 25. 


20 


5. 


11 fl- 


21 


12. 


. 8ff-. 


22 


3. 


1; 




4. 


14; 




10. 


23. 


23 


3. 


6,14; 




4. 


Iff; 




6. 


11 ff; 




10. 


23 ff-; 




11. 


40. 




12. 


26. 


24 


11. 


Iff. 


25 


10. 


,82. 


26 


4. 


2ff; 




cp. 3. 7 ff. 


27 


12. 


,16. 


28 


6. 


6; 




lO. 


29. 


29 


13. 


9. 


SO 


7. 


19. 


31 


10. 


4. 


32 


9. 


9. 


33 


10. 


19. 


34 


5. 


9. 


35 


9. 


12. 


36 


9. 


15. 


37 


13. 


20. 


38 


1. 


1— 




10. 


18. 


39 




19- 




13. 


25. 


40 


1. 


1-8. 



HEBREWS. 65 

Christ is the great high priest. He is more than Aaron, and is an eternal 

priest, after the order of Melchizedek, for an eternal salvation/^ But *5 4. i4_ 

the Hebrews do not understand, nor hold fast to God's promise, as 

they should.*® *6 n-e. 20. 

The Great High Priest. — The great truth is : Christ is the high 

priest after the order of Melchizedek.*^ Melchizedek is the type of *7 7, i_ 
^ "^^ 10.18. 

the eternal high priest, not by descent, but by God's appointment. The 

Levitical priesthood gave tithes to Melchizedek through Abraham.*^ *« 7. i-io. 
Jesus is the final priest, by God's oath.*^ He saves, intercedes at *^ ii-24. 
God's right hand, is the priest of a new, eternal covenant, abolishing 
Aaron's order.^** The earthly, imperfect tabernacle, ^^ is taken away ^^ 25— 
by Christ's sacrifice, which opened the heavenly sanctuary, brought ^^ 9. i-io. 
eternal salvation,^^ and established a new covenant.^^ The heavenly ^3 \^^' 
sanctuary is sanctified by Christ.^* The prophetic sacrifices of pro- s* 21-28. 
pitiation are at an end, because Christ has offered Himself once for 
all for our sins and made complete atonement. There is now for- 
giveness of sins.^^ S5 10. 1-18. 

II. The Believers are to Remain True to the confession 
and fellowship of faith.^^ The wilful sinners shall be brought to terrible ^^ 19-28. 
judgment." Those who in past trials stood fast by faith ^^ should ^^ 32— 
gather new insjDiration from the history of the power of faith in Old Tes- 
tament saints.^^ With patience ought they persevere in their Christian ^^ 3-40. 
race,^° and arise from sinful indifference,®^ for great is the glory of ^<'12.1-1L 
the new covenant, and terrible the punishment of denial.®^ Christian ®^ ^^29. 
virtues should prevail,®^ and Christian truth be kept against Jewish ^^ 13. 1-6. 
errors.®* The elders are to be obeyed, and the writer asks for ** '^~-^^- 
prayers.®^ With a benediction®^ from the great Shepherd of the H ^^ 
everlasting covenant, a short exhortation, and personal greeting, this 
great epistle ends. 

Summary. — Our faith grants free access to God. It is the 
final and eternal faith, for it rests on Jesus the great prophet and the 
final mediator. He has effected the one, everlasting redemption. 
The priesthood of propitiation is fulfilled in Him. He lives to inter- 
cede.. To adopt another priesthood is to fall back into abolished 
Judaism with its sacrifices and laws. 
6 



66 BIBLE LITERATURE. 

PRACTICAL LESSONS. 

1. Our faith is the fulfillment of past hope. 
3. It is a mighty evidence of future hope. 

3. It grants free access to God. 

4. Jesus has opened the way by His sacrifice. 

5. His prophecy pointed to His work. 

6. He is the only High-priest, and intercedes for us with God. 

7. It is terrible to neglect, despise or reject His salvation. 



ST. JAMES. 



CHAPTEE XVII. 

The Catholic Epistles. Like Hebrews this epistle has a 
general character. It begins like a letter, but is a homily. It opens the 
series of Catholic (i. e., general) epistles, which ends with Jude. Des- 
pite the great differences in their style and contents, all these letters 
have yet their common view of truth, and are markedly different from 
Paul's letters. On account of the common features of their message, 
they were grouped together. The style of St. James is quite pure and 
vigorous. But the sentences are mostly short and like proverbs. In 
form as in thought, this epistle represents New Testament Wisdom. 
The author is James, the brother of the Lord. Like his brothers, he 
did not at first believe in Christ, ^ but seems to have become a disciple i John 7. 5. 
after the resurrection.^ Later he was the leader of the church at 2 Acts 1. 14. 

Jerusalem.^ The character of his address at the council of Jerusalem 3 Acts 12. 17; 

. 15. 13 ff ; 

is similar in spirit and language to this letter. Because there is as yet 21. 18. 

^ ^ ^ -^ 1 Cor. 15.71; 

no indication of Paul's teaching of justification, and because all con- Gal. 1. 19. 

ditions in this letter are primitive and simple, it must be placed early. 

It is probably the first writing of the New Testament, composed about 

50 A. D. 

To Whom Addressed. — It is sent to the twelve tribes, which 
are scattered abroad (lit., in the diaspora). " The twelve tribes " is a 
territorial designation and would not include Jews beyond the borders 
of Israel. But in this epistle of St. James it is probable that the writer 
is thinking of spiritual Israel, i. e., the Church, which is scattered far 
beyond earthly Israel and centres its hopes in heaven. At that time 
the Church consisted mainly of Jews in the flesh, who were outcasts in 
their own city, and looked, though with great weakness, for the 
heavenly Jerusalem. 

Reproofs. — To such Jewish Christians everywhere, who were 

67 



68 BIBLE LITERATURE. 

* i.2ff. oppressed/ James sent this letter. It points out certain sins to be 

5 1 18 2] * 

2*. 1 ;' 4. 'i7. remedied. These Christians do not lack in accepting the truth/ but some 
a! 1 ff. are too zealous, free of tongue/ condemning and cursing, rather than 

4*. 11 ff. helping their brethren.' There was much idle strife.^ Prayer did not 

8 3.* 14 ff;' rest on firm faith.^ Eeal Christian life,^° and a walk corresponding to 

4. 1 ff. 

9 1 . 6 ff ; Christian profession, was wanting.^^ Works of mercy and patience did 
4. 8, 8 ; 

5. 15. not prevail. ^^ Earthly goods were overestimated, and trade was carried 

12 1 ' 97 ^" ^^ without looking to God.^^ The rich oppressed the poor,^* and were 

2'iM5; preferred even in worship.^^ The poor desired to have,^® and were 

14 t* 4^' impatient not only against their brethren,^'' but also against God.^^ 

16 li 2.^" "^^^ friendship of this world was sought, ^^ and all must be reminded of 
18 f 1 18^' 4. 7. the vanity of worldly things,^" and the real worth of Christian faith.^^ 

20 i] 10 ff; Exhortations. — To meet these dangers James emphasized the 
s! 2 ff. need of living faith to attain to Christian perfection. He goes back to 

21 1 Q 12 ]7ff* 

2*. 5 ; 4. 6 ; ' the simple words of the sermon on the mount,* and demands real deeds 
5* 7ff, 

22 li 3, 6; of Christian life. Jesus is to be believed in^^ as the Lord of glory. ^^ 

2 1 5 14 * 

s! 15. ' ' The sufferings and death of Jesus are not mentioned, but His glory 

23 1. 1; 2. 1; 

5.7. presupposes these.^* Men must be born again by the Word,^^ and live 

sermon, in the new law of liberty.^^ This leads to perfection/' and is the royal 

Acts 2. 15 ff. -^ r f J 

25 1.18,21. lawoflove.^^ Finally judgment will come,^^ and those who love the 
„, ?• i^ir o«^ Lord shall have eternal life.^" 

27 1. 4ff.,22ff. 

2- 1 fi"; St. James and St. Paul. — There seems at first glance to be a 

29 2* 13 • contradiction between James 2. 14 ff. and St. Paul's teaching.^^ Paul says 

30 1* li' ^* ^' ^'® are justified and saved without works, and James asserts that faith 

31 e.y., Gal. 2.10. without works is dead. But there is no real contradiction. Both use 

the same terms differently and finally agree. Paul means by faith 

living dependence on Christ. James opposes those who merely say, 

that they have faith, but whose faith is an idle profession, weaker 

82 2. 19. than the fear of devils before God.'^^ xhe works which Paul condemns 



* Compare Matt. 5. 8 and James 2. 5 ; 1. 9 ; Matt. 5. 4 and James 4. 9 ; Matt. 
5. 7, 9 and James 2. 13 ; 3. 17 ; Matt. 5. 8 and James 4. 8 ; Matt. 5. 9 and James 8. 
18 ; Matt. 5. 11, 12 and James 1.2; 5. 10, 11 ; Matt. 5. 19 and James 1. 19 ff. , 25 ; 
2. 10, 11 ; Matt. 5. 22 and James 1. 20 ; Matt. 5. 27 and James 2. 10, 11 ; Matt. 5. 
48 and James 1. 4 ; Matt. 6. 15 and James 2. 13 ; Matt. 6. 19 and James 5. 2 ff. ; 
Matt. 6. 24, 25 and James 4. 4, 18 ff., etc. There are also parallels to other 
parts of the gospels, e. g., Luke 12. 21 and James 2. 5 ; Luke 6. 24 and James 5. 
1 ; Mark 6. 13 and James 5. 14, 15 ; Matt. 18. 15 and James 5. 16. 



ST. JAMES. 69 

are the outward observances of the law. The works which James 
demands are the deeds of love. These Paul also accepts and demands 
as effects of faith ^^ and fruits of the Spirit.^* lie, too, asserts that by H g^J. 5. ^ 
the things done in the body we must be judged.^^ Justification with ^^ ^ ^^^' ^' ^^• 
Paul is the declaration of forgiveness of sins by God. It bestows an 
imputed righteousness. James means by justification the righteous- 
ness of life demanded by Christ in Matthew 5. 20. This is the outward 
expression in life of the inward reliance on Chrict. Justification, 
in this sense, is not regarded as the foundation of salvation, but only 
as the proof of saving faith. 

Directions for Christian Living*. — It is the purpose of 
James to show the way toward perfection in a series of inwardly 
connected admonitions. In outward trials faith must work patience, 
and prayer help the lack of wisdom ^^ Riches must not be gloried in, ^e i. 2-8. 
but eternal life.^'' In the inward trials of sin the source is traced ^"^ 9-ii- 
to selfish desire ^^ and must be conquered. For this, God, the giver ^^ 12-15. 
of every good gift, gives His Word as the seed of regeneration.^^ It ^^ I6-20. 
must be truly received with meekness.*" Such, gentle acceptance *" I9i 20. 
will be followed by obedience to the law of liberty in true deeds.*^ *^ 21-27. 
This law is love to the brethren without partiality. ^^ Partiality will *^ 2. 1-7. 
lead to judgment. *^ But true love follows from real faith. Faith ** ^i^- 
without works is dead.** The life of freedom includes the bridling of ** ^^~^^- 
the tongue,*^ and will avoid strife and bring peace.*® Contention *5 3. 1-12. 

46 13-18. 

comes from worldly desires, that hinder prayer.*' Worldliness is *^ 4. i-s. 
against God. But God must be sought,*^ judgment of the brother and 48 4-10, 
worldly security avoided.*^ The rich should remember the coming 49 11-17. 
judgment,^" the poor are to have patience, and look prayerfully to so 5. i_6. 
God's mercy.^^ There must be truthfulness of speech ; by prayer, 51 7-11. 
grace and forgiveness of sins are to be sought.^^ Prayer is mighty, as 52 12-16. 
appears from Elijah.^^ Spiritual help extended to the weak brings 53 17, ig. 
great blessings.^* s* 19, 20 

Summary. — Faith dare not be an idle promise, but a living 
power, which brings fruit and shows itself to be real before God and 
men. It must lead to the law of freedom, which is love. This keeps 
from sin, is firm in trial, gentle in speech, relies on God, seeks not the 



70 BIBLE LITERATURE. 

world, and makes no distinction of rich and poor. The Christian 
life thus unfolding leads to increasing perfection. 



PRACTICAL LESSONS. 

1. Faith must be living conviction. 

2. It must appear in deeds of love. 

3. It must overcome temptation and be strong in trial. 

4. Love must avoid sins of the tongue. 

5. Worldliness is not right for a believer. 

6. The rich are not to be preferred. 

7. Trade must not be carried on without God. 

8. Perfection must be aimed at in Christian life. 

9. The judgment will bring either life or condemnation. 



I AND II PETER. 



CHAPTER XVIII. 
I PETER. 

In this letter there is heard the Apostle Peter,^ but as co- i 1. 1. 

elder and witness of the sufferings of Christ.' As in his early 2 5.1. 
sermons and activity, so here he points to Christ as the rejected 

stone,* recognizes the equality of Jewish and heathen converts,* and ^ Acts 4. 11 ; 

emphasizes Christ's crucifixion, resurrection and return.^ *n^\7M-%W 

The language and style, however, of this letter, are different from fpL^"]^ J^ . 

the sermons in Acts, and very distinct from II Peter. Many quota- ^ ^^l^f^g' hk ■ 
tions from the Greek translation of the Old Testament (the Sep- 4 }o-^'' 
tuagint) are interwoven and interpreted in a vigorous way. But the fofsg^.' 
Greek is pure, accurately and delicately used. The style is simple, isfli;^"^^'' 
impressive, tenderly persuasive and deeply calm. 21 ff. ; 4. 1, 5,' 

18 * 5 14 10 

How and To Whom Written. — Peter's spirit and position, • • . . • 
which was like that of James,* are clothed in a Greek dress, because 
Peter had Silvanus compose this letter.* This disciple of Paul was « 5. 12. 
most able to impress the readers, as Peter must have desired,^ with "^ cf. 2 Pet. 3. 
the final oneness of Peter's teaching with Paul's, as appears from 
many references to Paul's letters. f 

This was necessary, for the readers were in the Asian churches 
founded by Paul. " The strangers scattered throughout Pontus, 
Galatia, Cappadocia, Asia and Bithynia," ® lived in the Roman pro- s 1.1. 
vinces of Asia Minor. They were Gentiles, coming out of deep 
sins' to living faith in God,^" so that now they are God's people," » 1.14, 18; 

4. o. 

10 1. 21. 

* Compare 1. 6. 7 with James 1. 2 ff. ; 1. 23 ff. and James 1. 18; 4. 8 and n 2. 10 
James 5. 20 ; 5. 5 ff. and James 4. 6, 7, 10. 

t Compare 1. 14 and Rom. 12. 2 ; 2. 5 and Rom. 12. 1 ; 2. 6 and Rom. 9. 32 ff. ; 
2. 10 and Rom. 9. 25 ; 2. 13 and Rom. 13. 1 ff. ; 3. 9 and Rom. 12. 17 ; 4. 1 and 
Rom. 6. 7; 4. 10 and Rom. 12. 6ff.; 5. 1 and Rom. 8. 17. Especially 1. 14 and 
Eph. 2. 8 ; 4. 17 ; 2. 5 and Eph. 2. 20-22 ; 2. 18 and Eph. 6. 5 ; 3. 1 ff. ard Eph. 5. 
22 ff. ; 8. 22 and Eph. 1. 20 ff. ; 5. 5 and Eph. 5. 21 ; 5. 8 and Eph. 6. 11. 

71 



72 BIBLE LITERATURE. 

^' 3. 6. an(j their women have become Sara's daughters.^^ The time of com- 

position must have been after Paul had written Ephesians.* The 
place was probably in Rome, for there is no reason to show that 

13 5.15. Peter was in Babylon.^^ This term is a figurative use of Rome as 

the world-power corresponding to ancient Babylon. It is probable 
that Peter came to Rome with Mark, after Paul had been freed from 
his first captivity and was journeying westward. In Paul's absence 
Peter did his duty in addressing Pauline churches through a follower 
of Paul. This was probably in 64 A. d. 

Its Occasion. — The Christians of Asia were in new danger of 
trials and sufferings,^* which were coming to all.^^ These were to 
be so great, that the end and judgment were looked for.^' Satan 
was raging. '^ The actual persecution had not yet begun, but the 
Christians were commonly evil spoken ^^ of, because they were 
Christians'^ and lived a pure life.^* But they must retain such 
pure life ^' with a good conscience, suffer reproaches, and return good 
for evil,'-^^ as did Christ. 2' 

Its Purpose. — The purpose of this letter was to encourage the 
believers to hold fast in suffering. To this end they receive the testi- 

2* 5. 12. mony that they stood in the true grace of God.^* As Christ suffered 

so ought they be willing to suffer for His sake. Deliverance and 
blessedness will soon come to outweigh all trials. The keynote is 
hope. Into this comfort is taken up very rich teaching about the 
triune God, the eternal Father, the redemption, in particular Christ's 

25 3. 19. descent into hell,^^ and the end of all things. 

Its Contents. — The glory to come is to be remembered by the 

28 1.1,2. pilgrims, who after a greeting,'^* are uplifted by the glorious hope 

27 3-12. of heaven in all their trials.^^ By this hope are they to be led to 

^* ^i"iK* holiness before God,^^ brotherly love,^' and life in God's truth.^" 

30 23—2. s. Their high dignity of spiritual priesthood, their holiness as God's 

31 2. 4-10. spiritual house, founded upon Christ, is to be kept in a pure life.'' It 

32 11—4. 7. must be retained in all temptations,'^ against sin and wrong accusa- 
ls Uli7* tions,'' as subjects,'* as servants,'^ in matrimony,'^ and in contrast 

35 18-25! 

36 3. 1-7. 

* See note above where quotations from Ephesians occur. 



14 


1.6; 




3. 9 ff. ; 




4. 4, 12. 


15 


5.9. 


16 


4. 7, 17. 


17 


5.8 


18 


2. 21 ff. 




3.9,16. 


19 


4.14. 


20 


4.4. 


21 


3.16. 


22 


2.16. 


23 


2.23. 



II AND II PETER. 73 

with others,''' especially when suffering is borne as Christ suffered ^7 3. 8-12. 
and triumphed.^^ The pure life is to be kept against all heathen ^^ 13-22. 
immorality.^^ It must appear in all relations,*" toward God and man,*^ *^ |— 5. H- 
in the right use of gifts,*^ and in bearing all ills.*^ The elders are to J3 J^' |^- 

be faithful,^ the younger members obedient,*^ all humbly trusting in *J ^- H- 
God,** growing in faith, strong against Satan,*^ until God shall bring t? 1 9] 
them to completion.*^ Personal remarks and greetings end this ^* ^o, 11. 
letter of consolation.*^ *^ 12-14. 

Summary. — Many and great trials come upon the Christian, 
which he should bear for Christ's sake. To suffer with Christ is to 
be glorified with Him. But the sufferer must be holy, suffer as a 
Christian, and rightly observe all relations in humility and purity. 



PRACTICAL LESSONS. 

1. The Christian must suffer as did His Lord. 

2. With Christ trials are readily borne. 

3. The glory to come is greater than all crosses. 

4. The hope is attained by holy, spiritual priests of faith. 

5. Holy hope makes a complete, holy life. 



II PETER. 

The style of II Peter, partly agreeing with Peter's sermons, 
and having some verbal similarities to I Peter, is much more 
rhetorical in cast, and less pure in form. It contains striking 
expressions, rhetorical and strong descriptions. The forceful Peter 
is clearly felt. He calls himself Simon Peter, an apostle,^'' who so 1. 1. 
with the other apostles had seen the Lord,^^ and received His com- si 1. 14, 16-is 
mandments.^2 Peter had always been reminding the readers of the ^2 3. 2. 
truth,^' which they are to keep after his decease.^* His constant ^^ l.i2ff. 

' -^ ^ 54 1. 15. 

teaching had also taken shape in a former letter.^^ But this letter is not 55 3.1. 
our I Peter, which does not fit the description of the former letter,^^ but se 3. 2, 3. 
is a lost epistle. Peter also refers to a letter of Paul, which admon- 
ished that the long-suffering of the Lord is salvation.^'' No such ^7 3. 15. 



74 BIBLE LITERATURE. 

trend appears in any admonitions of known Pauline epistles. Con- 
. sequently another lost letter is referred to. The contents of II Peter 

58 3. 16. point to a late time, as do the many letters which Paul had written.^^ 

59 1. 14. Peter also is old, expecting death,^^ and yet not immediately, for he 

60 3. 1. hopes apparently to write again ^'^ (this second epistle I now write). 

We know not where Peter wrote. Rome is not mentioned. This letter 
must then be earlier than our I Peter, written before Peter came to 
Rome, where he died in the persecution of Nero, probably in the fall of 
64 A. D. This letter cannot therefore be later than 62. 

To Whom Addressed.— Its readers are also different from 
our I Peter. They are Jewish Christians in general, before whom 

61 1.16; the majesty of Christ ^^ is especially emphasized, who knew the 
82 2 '2* 13.2.* prophets,^^ and Old Testament historical and doctrinal facts.^' They 

64 1, i2ff. ^^^ to be strengthened in the hope of the world to come ^* against the 

65 1,4. corruption of this world.^^ Purged from sin,^^ they are to be estab- 
67 1* 12. lished in the truth.^^ There are unstable men,^^ who listen to fables,^^ 

69 1* 16." and over against the prophets ^"^ will be ready to hear false teachers.'^^ 

70 1. 21. 

71 2.1. These shall come among, though not out of them," and are apostate 

72 2. 1. 

73 2. 15, 20. Christians,'^ who deny the Lord and His return, despise the powers 

74 2. 10, 14, 16, of the unseen world, and are full of impurity.'* 

75 2! 1. ' * * Claiming to be teachers,'^ they seek only their own gain.'* They 

76 2 3 14 

77 2! 14, 18. particularly desire the newly converted." And they shall pervert 

78 2. 4ff. many to their unnatural sins,'® using the love-feasts as an occa- 

79 2, 18. sion.'^ For the people to whom Peter writes, this evil teaching is 

still future, although elsewhere it has begun. What Peter feared 
happened later."^ 

Its Aim. — The aim of the letter is to emphasize the majesty 
and coming of Christ against error. The keynote is : True prophecy 
is the stronghold against false teaching and unholy life. 

Its Contents. — Peter wishing ever greater grace and peace to 

so 1,1,2. those in the faith,^" admonishes them to cultivate knowledge and 

81 8-11. virtue, that they may enter the kingdom.^^ To this he is moved as his 

end approaches. As a witness of Christ's majesty he points to the 

* See Jude. 



I AND II PETER. 75 

sure word of prophecy.®^ False teachers will arise, who shall be 82 1. 12-21. 
judged as Sodom and Gomorrah.®^ They are fleshly, despise angelic s^ 2. i-io. 
powers,^* are voluptuous and impure,^'' and lead men to destruc- ®* 11, 12. 
tion.^* They are mockers denying the coming of Christ, and say ss 17-22. 
" All things continue as they were from the beginning of the world." 
But Christ is waiting to lead men to repentance. At last He shall 
suddenly come.®'' All are to be ready for Christ's coming, and seek ^7 3. i_i8. 
salvation in His longsuffering, as Paul admonishes, whose letters 
some pervert. Steadfastness, and growth in grace and knowledge of 
Christ should be the aim.^^ ss 14-18. 

Summary. — The living expectation of Christ's coming must be 
strong. The prophets and apostles who have seen Christ's majesty 
are to be believed. And the sinful mockers, who despise heavenly 
things, deny Christ, live an impure life, and lead others astray for 
gain, must be avoided. 



PRACTICAL LESSONS. 

1. The attention of a true teacher is constant. 

2. He clearly sees and warns against danger. 

3. It is wrong to deny Christ's coming because its time cannot be 

determined. 

4. The delay of the last day is to give room for repentance. 

6. When men no longer fear heavenly power, they become unholy. 

6. The wicked love to lead astray the beginners in Christian life. 

7. Only the sure word of prophecy can protect us against all 

heresy. 



I, II, III JOHN, JUDE. 



CHAPTER XIX. 

1 JOHN. 

In this general treatise, whicli neither begins nor enr^s like a 
letter, there are many parallels in thought and expression to the 
Gospel of John.* The same simplicity and depth, the same habit of 
repeating and extending thought^ the same terms and contrasts of 
light and darkness, life and death, love and hate, the same concep- 
tions of God, Christ and man are found. But new are the expressions, 
" fellowship with the Father and Son," " perfect love," " Antichrist," 
" sin unto death," " unction from the Holy One." Where the Gospel 

1 St. John 4. 24. describes God as " spirit," ^ the epistle names Him " love ; " ^ where 

2 4. 16. 

the Gospel speaks of the Son being in the Father and the Father 

s St. John 4. in the Son, ^ the epistle applies to the Christian " dwelling in God," and 

4 4. 13, 15. '' Grod dwelling in him." * Despite great similarity the epistle has its 

own character and purpose. 

5 2. 12, 18, John writes as an aged father to children.^ He includes with 

28 ' 

8. 7, 18; himself others, who have also seen the Word of life,* and are writing 
4. 4 ; 5. 21. 

6 1.1,3,5; of it. '' The generation of eye-witnesses and writers is still present. 

4. 6, 14, 16. 1 ' 1 ^ 

7 1.4. Therefore this epistle cannot have been written later than 90 A. D., 

possibly soon after the Gospel. John, according to reliable ancient 
testimony, was then at Ephesus. 

To Strengthen Believers. — His purpose is not to bring men 

8 5. IS. ^^ faith, but to strengthen believers in their assurance.^ These have 

9 2. 12 20 27. forgiveness of sins and the unction of the Spirit; ^ have acknowledged 

the eternal Word of God and in Him have conquered the Wicked One in 



* Compare 2. 14 and gospel of John 5. 88; 2. 17 and 8. 85; 3. 8 and 8. 44; 
8. 13 and 15. 18 ; 3. 22 and 8. 29 ; 8. 28 and 18. 34 ; 4. 6 and 18. 37 ; 4. 15 and 6. 66 ; 
6. 4 and 3. 6 ; 5. 9 and 5. 32 ; 5. 20 and 17. 3. 

76 



I, II, III JOHN, JUDE. 77 

whom the world lies.^" The full truth have they heard from the lo 2. 12-14 ; 

'' 5. 4 ff. ; 

beginning and are to hold fast to it." Still they must be told of the 18 ff. 

danger to come,^^ for they yet have sin and are in a world which ^^ %' ji' 

tempts all that are in the flesh.^^ Deeper purification,^* and more i^l.Sff. ; 

actual love ^^ are needed. Many false teachers are about,^^ who are ** 3.3. 

^ ' 15 3. 18; 4. 7. 

not inwardly Christians, though they move among them.^'' They have J!^ 2. 18. 
gone out from among the Christians, for they were overcome.^^ Their ^® ^* *• 
appearance is a sign of the end, ^^ and they precede Antichrist, and ^^2. 22ff.,28. 
are antichrists.^" Because of these false prophets, all spirits must be ^"2. 18. 
tried.^^ The great error is the denial that Jesus is the Christ, the ^^ ^* 
Son of God,^^ and that He has come in the flesh. '^^ ^^ 5! i"5.* ' 

23 A ^ 

Fellowship with God. — Therefore the Apostles declare what 
ihey have seen and heard of Jesus, that the later believers may have 
fellowship with them. This " fellowship is with the Father, and with 
His Son Jesus Christ." ''* The fellowship of love with God is to be ^* !• ^• 
established through the testimony of those who live in it. 

The fellowship of joy arising out of the testimony ^^ of divine 25 1. 1-4. 
life is to lead to God as light. This light is to free from darkness 
by men confessing sins,^^ receiving forgiveness," by their living in 272.1-3?" 
love with all, and by forsaking the love of the world. ^^ In the world ^* 4-17. 
are many antichrists, denying the Christ. '^^ ^* ~ ' 

But fellowship with God is sonship. This bringeth sanctifica- 
tion ^^ and brotherly love,^^ and is sealed by faith and love to God.^^ 31 * 10-17. 

32 18-24 

Men are to be tried by the faith, that Jesus came in the flesh.^^ 33 4. 1-6. 
For with this faith, love riseth out of God,^* for God is love, and ^^ 7-i5. 
His love causeth joy.^* The love that keepeth the commandments ^^ ^^"2^- 
comes from conquering faith through the new birth, effected in 
Christ by the Spirit.^^ To strengthen faith in Christ, this letter is 365.1-12. 
written,^'' so that the believers may pray truly, be kept from sin and ^'^ ^^' 
error, and in the knowledge of Christ,^^ in whom is truth and ^^ i^-^^. 
eternal life.^' '* 19-21- 

Summary. — There must be growth in the fellowship of love. 
It can only be increased by entering into fellowship with God as light 
through Christ. He is to be proclaimed, known and confessed as the 
Son of God come into the flesh. From Him, God, as love, is to com- 



78 BIBLE LITERATURE. 

mune with men, that they may love each other, overcome all error, 
and live in the Spirit. The line of contact is faith. 



PRACTICAL LESSONS. 

1. There is sure testimony of eye-witnesses concerning Christ, 

2. He is the eternal life, the Son of God become man. 

3. With Him and the Father there is to be fellowship through 

the testimony of the Apostles. 

4. Such fellowship is with God as love, and brings love and joy 

to all. 
6. It is established by faith, which overcomes the world and its 
error and sin. 



II JOHN. 

This second letter, which is similar in thought and style* to 
the first, was written, perhaps very shortly after the first, by 
John, who styles himself an elder, a title at times used by the 
*o 1 Pet. 5. 1. apostles *" to designate themselves simply as the venerable fathers. 
*^ iJ* ^ ^^*' ^' It is addressed to " the elect lady." This may mean a church,*^ or a 
4=2 V. 3. Christian lady. From the warnings given and from the greeting,*^ t it 

seems best to accept this epistle as a loving letter to a church- 
Contents. — Joy is expressed that the children of the church 
walk in the truth. In the truth they have known the Apostle loves 

44 8-6. them,*^ and exhorts them to continue in the life of love.** For many 

deceivers have gone out who deny Christ's incarnation. Neither 

45 7-11. their teaching nor they are to be received, that evil may be avoided.*^ 
46 12, 18. Soon John expects to see the believers face to face.*® 

Summary. — What a joy it is when believers walk in the life of 
truth, which is love, and avoid those who deny that the Son of God 
has become man. 



* Compare 5 and 1 John 2. 7 ; 6 and 1 John 5. 8 ; 7 and 1 John 2. 18 ; 4. 1 ff. 
12 and 1 John 1. 4. 

t Compare the manner in which John sends greetings in a personal 
letter.— 8 John 14. 



I, II, III JOHN, JUDE. 79 

PRACTICAL LESSONS. 

1. The joy of a teacher is the life of godly love of those whom he 
has taught. 

2. Heretics, who deny the Son of God, must not be associated with. 

3. He who is friendly with heretics is partaker of their evil deeds. 



47 9. 



Ill JOHN. 

Ill John. — The likeness of this letter to the other two and to the 
Gospel * mark it as John's. There is also the same spirit of gentle- 
ness to the faithful, and severity against sin and error. The time is 
shortly after the second epistle, which is referred to.^'^ The letter is 
sent to Gaius, a member of the church addi-essed in the second letter. 
As the name Gaius is a common one no locality can be fixed.*^ Gaius is ** JP; ^^^ ^^• 
asked to receive Demetrius,*^ who is bearing this letter. Its purpose p^^" i^ i^ 
is to commend Gaius for receiving the brethren, former messengers of *^ ^^' 
the apostle,^ and to warn against Diotrephes, who is forbidding this ^" ^~^- 
reception and doing evil.^^ John expects to come soon.^^ 53 i^'Hl 

The importance of this epistle is in showing us one of the early 
letters of introduction given to traveling Christians, to put before us 
the hospitality and love of Christians, and to exhibit an unruly, self- 
willed elder, who interferes with the messengers of the apostles and 
casts out those that hold to apostolic truth and authority. Perhaps 
Diotrephes was a false teacher.^' '^2T'h^ '9 ff 

Summary. — The authority of truth must prevail. No one is 
lord of a church. Only the word of truth is king. In the truth 
Christians show hospitality and love to each other. 



PRACTICAL LESSONS. 

1. Error and unruliness were ever in the Church. 

2. The apostolic word must rule a congregation. 

3. No pastor is lord of the flock. 

4. Christians show hospitality and love. 



* Ver. 1 and 2 John 1 ; ver. 3 and 2 John 4 ; ver. 5 and 1 John 2. 29 ; 3. 10 ff. ; 
ver . 12 and John 21. 24 ; 19. 35 ; ver. 13 and 2 John 12 ff. 



80 BIBLE LITERATURE. 

JUDE. 
Jude. — The writer of this epistle is not Jude the apostle 
®* Mark 6^ 3^^' ^ Lebbaeus), but Jude the brother of James and Jesus.^* Like James^^ 
53 jas. 1. 1. j^g ^^jlg himself humbly a servant of Jesus ; for his earthly relation to 
56 2 Cor. 5. 16. Qj^^,jg^ ^^^g j^Q^ ^^ ^g marked.56 ^^Yhen Jude calls himself " brother of 
James," it is because James was a pillar of the church at Jerusalem, 
and Jude is writing to Jewish Christians. This appears from the close 
similarity to II Peter.* The same people there addressed are here had 
57 17, 18 ff. in view. For while the teaching of the apostles f ^^ is referred to, and 

°® *• errors they warned against J ^^ rejected, yet also, as to those who know, 

59 5, 7, 11. Old Testament facts are recalled.^* Even incidents from Jewish 
apocryphal ^ books are mentioned. || This does not impair the char- 
acter of Jude, for the apocryphal books contained true elements 
of history, and the New Testament in other places reports matters 
not in the Old Testament. % The style of Jude is picturesque, vigor- 
ous, fairly correct Greek. Its dependence upon II Peter, and the 
•® 5. reference to the destruction of Jerusalem ,®° make it probable that it 

was written about 75 A. D. 

Contending" for the Faith. — The errorists feared by Peter 
*^ 4. have come. They deny Christ,®^ speak evil of angels, are unruly, las- 

**lo^n'i2 civious, arrogant of speech, avaricious, mockers and corrupters.*^ 

18 ff^' Their coming has been foretold.^* 

^^ ^^' Over against them the believers should contend for the faith once 

gg f^ delivered to the saints.^* After a greeting ^^ the seducers are warned 

** 8,4. against.^® They shall be punished as once those were who were 



* Compare, e. g., ver. 6 and 2 Pet. 2. 4 ; ver. 7 and 2 Pet. 2. 6 ; ver. 12 and 
2 Pet. 2. 17. 

t Compare, e. g.,2 Thess. 2. 12. 

t Rom. 6. 1, 15; 1 Cor. 6. 12. ( " Turning the grace of God into lasclv- 
lousness.") 

g Apocrypha are books not received among the inspired original records. 

II The story of Michael (9) is from " The assumption of Moses ; " ver. 6, 
14, 15, refer to " The Book of Enoch." 

^That Moses was taught in Egyptian wisdom (Acts 7. 22), that 8aul 
reigned forty years (Acts 13.21), that the Egyptian magicians, who with- 
stood Moses, were called Jannes and Jambres (2 Tim. 3. 8). 



I, II, III JOHN, JUDE. 81 

ilelivered from Egypt, and yet believed not ; as the wicked angels, as 
Sodom and Gomorrah.^^ They speak evil of angels, though even ^^ ^'^• 
Michael only dared to ask God to rebuke Satan. ®^ Like Cain, Balaam ^^ 8-10. 
and Core they corrupt and are rebellious. Worthless, wicked men, 
they have been prophesied by Enoch and the apostles. ^^ But the ^^12-19. 
"^believers are to be built up in faith and love, and to save whom they 
xjan. The Lord will keep them and present them faultless. To Him 
belong all glory and majesty.^^ 7020-25. 

Summary. — The faith is unchangeable. It must be kept 
against all deniers of Christ, and against all unholiness. 



PRACTICAL LESSONS. 

1. Faith does not alter with the times. 

2. The heretics who deny Christ and heavenly power are full of 
wickedness. 

3. All false teaching has been warned against by God's prophets. 
6 



REVELATION. 



CHAPTER XX. 

Its Style and Authorship. — In this book we find a style 
so Hebrew, that at times it seems as though Greek was poorly grasped 
by its writer. Revelation almost has a grammar of its own. But its 
peculiarity is really due not merely to the influence of Hebrew prophets. 
The laws of language are broken, because all human speech is inade- 
quate to express fally what is communicated. The plane of heavenly 
truth is wonderful, the imagery is magnificent, the visions so mighty 
and overpowering, that language cannot stand the strain, but still the 
reality of what is seen possesses the soul. Style and grammar are 

1 1.1,4,9; forgotten. The writer is John. He is expressly named,^ and claims 

22. 8. . 

2 1.2; to give a true report of revelations received.^ The same exclusive 

3 John 1. i. Johannine expression " Word "^ occurs in 19 : 18. Christ is often 

4 John 1. 29. called the Lamb as in the Gospel.* He, as in the Gospel, is designated^ 

5 4.9; liife (liveth forever),^ and Light,® and His love is affirmed.'' The 
10.6; 15.7. 

6 21. 24; impress of John is clearly found, despite the great difference of style. 

7 1. 5; 3. 9. But it must be marked, that John writes not for himself, but as the 

8 1.2. witness of God and Christ.^ He is especially bidden to write the 

9 1. 11, 19 ; whole and even details of what he heard and saw.^ Only once is he 
2.1; 

14. 13; forbidden to write what he heard.^*' In an ecstacy does John write. 

21. 5; The seeing and hearing are visions." The very words of Christ are 

10 10. 4. given.^2 Therefore this book is a direct revelation.^^ a book of im- 

^^ oi* I'lfi mediately inspired prophecy peculiarly under God's protection.^* 
II !• ^'. The Seven Churches.— It was first sent to seven congregations^ 

2^* 7^10,18, ge][ected to show certain definite conditions of Christian life.^^ Each 

^* 3^' 24- church received its letter from Jesus, but each revelation is intended for 

lo 1'. 2i!' ^ ' all churches.^^ All servants of Christ are to have this book as a holy 

17 22. 18 ff. treasure ^^ until Christ returns.^^ It is to be diligently and wisely used.** 

1^ 22.17,20. b J 

'^ 1.3; Date. — According to all ancient testimony John wrote this book, 

2. 7, 11 ; 
22. 9ff., 17. when banished by the Emperor Domitian to Patmos, about 95 A. d. 

82 



REVELATION. 83 

Such banishments were then common. The seven heads of the beast ^° 20 13. i; 1 7.$^ 
dare not be referred to Eoman emperors so as to put Revelation in 
the reign of Nero. The condition of the churches, the loss of the first 
love in some, the errors and sins reproached, are not compatible with 
so early a date. The organization is late, for already one bishop is 
arising (" the angel of the church "). The expression " Lord's day " ^^ 21 1. 10. 
is best understood after the Sabbath had largely passed away. Jeru- 
salem must have been destroyed, and the hope of gaining Jews, 
which Paul never gave up, have been abandoned, Avhen they are 
Bpoken of as '" the synagogue of Satan." ^^ 23 2.9; 3. 9. 

Its Aim. — The aim of the Eevelation is to show what must 
shortly come to pass.^* To do this John is to write the things which ^s 1.1. 
are, and the things which shall be hereafter.^* Eevelation is not a his- 24 1.19. 
tory that is to be unfolded, but a series of visions. They have been parti^ 
ally fulfilled, but the greater part is to come to pass before Christ's 
return. The future is spoken of as " shortly," partly because the pre- 
dictions soon began to be fulfilled, partly according to divine counting.^^ 25 cp. 2 Pet. s. a 
The future is outlined not to satisfy curiosity, but to comfort the saints 
in their trials, and to give them assurance of the Church triumphant. 

First, John sees and tells what is,^^ and then, what shall be hereafter.^'' ^^ !• 10— 
There appears a series of visions. They are not to be considered as sue- ^^ ^* 1—22.9, 
cessive. Only within each vision is succession marked. The various 
pictures show difierent sides of conditions existing at the same time. 
The last, the seventh part, is never fully shown. Mostly only announce- 
ments and glimpses of heavenly glory appear, for the last part 
means the final coming of Christ, and is fulfilled in the scenes of glory 
at the close. Between the sixth and seventh parts are intervening 
explanatory scenes. 

WTiat is : — The first vision. After a mighty greeting from the 
risen, living Lord, to the saints, the royal priesthood, through John,^^ ^* !• 1-9 
Christ appears among His churches, the First and Last, the human- 
divine royal Priest, clad in majesty of eternal, mighty life and holi- 
ness. He has the sword of His word to judge. ^^ To the seven 29 10-20. 
congregations at Ephesus, Smyrna, Pergamos, Thyatira, Sardis, Phila- 
delphia, and Laodicea He sends messages, that He knows them well, 



84 BIBLE LITERATURE. 

to warn tliem against sin, to encourage them in the truth, that they 
so 2. 1—3. 22. ij2ay escape judgment and receive life eternal. ^° 

31 4. 1—8. 1. What shall be Hereafter, in seven visions. First visions- 

John is in heaven, sees the throne of God, and the mighty Creator 

32 4. worshipped by the spirits of life and by men.^^ In God's hand is the 

book of His will, sealed by seven seals. Only the Lamb that is slain, 

^3 5. the Lion of Judah, is worthy to open it.^^ By His power the seals 

reveal (1) the victory of God's word, (2) bloody wars, (3) famines, (4) 

partial epidemics, (5) bloody persecutions of the believers, (6) great 

34. 6. upheavals of nature.^* Two scenes intervene, that show who shall be 

35 7.1-8. saved in these times : (1) 144,000 from Israel sealed by God's ang^l,^^ 

36 9-17. (2) many from all nations, who died in the great persecution. ** The 

37 8. 1. seventh seal brings silence. ^^ 

38 2— After this silence of expectancy the second vision appears.*^ The 

39 8. 2-5. cries of the saints go up as incense ^^ Seven trumpets of judgment 
*o 6-12. are heard. As the first four sound, a part of nature is injured. *•* The 
41 13— fifth and sixth bring terrible woes upon men, yet do they not repent." 

Again two scenes intervene : first, a little book, part of God's truth 

sealed up, is eaten by John. It is sweet as God's message, but bitter 

42 10. to the flesh as judgment.*^ Second, the two great witnesses of truth 

43 11.1-14. are slain by antichrist, but rise again. *^ The seventh trumpet unveils 

the majesty of God's power, and grants a glimpse into His eternal 

44 15-19. templet* 

45 12. 1— The third vision '^^ shows the Church as the woman rescued and 

14. 20. 

46 12. 1, 2. remaining in the wilderness.^^ Against her Satan, the old Dragon, 

48 1 ^ \~-u) rises,*' and the beast of the sea, the great world power,*^ and the beast 

of the earth, the false prophet, the messenger of the false world- 

49 11 18. religion.*^ Over against this conflict is seen the beginning of triumph. 

50 14. 1-5. The Lamb and His company are in heaven,^"' and three angels pro- 
si 6-11. nounce the judgments still to come.^* The saints that die in the 

52 12, 13. trials are blessed.°^ At last shall come the harvest to cut down the 

53 14-20. wicked, and the vintage of God's wrath upon the sinners.^^ 
^*ie*2i~ The fourth vlsion,^^ after a song of praise of God's true judg- 
55 15. ments,^^ unfolds the pouring out of seven vials of God"s wrath like 

the plagues of Egypt. The earth, sea, rivers, and the sun are touched. 



REVELATION. 85 

Darkness comes, and unclean spirits of the devil.^^ Then intervenes ^'^ l®. i-u. 
the gathering of the kings of the earth to final battle." The seventh ^^ ^^' ^^• 
vial points to the end.^^ ^* ' 

The fifth I'moTi °* shows the fall of Babylon, the wicked world- ^^19. JoT 
city ,*° describes her glory, power and destruction.^^ For this judg- eiijli— * 
ment God is praised in heaven,^^ and blessing pronounced upon those 62 19] i-g. 
coming to the marriage supper of the Lamb.^^ ^^ 9' ^0. 

The sixth vision^^ unveils the coming of Jesus to overthrow ®*2i 8^~ 
Satan.*^ Then Christ reigns a thousand years, and there comes the ®^ 19' 11-21. 
final judgment, and the last resurrection,^^ when a new heaven and a ^® 20. 
new earth arise. *'^ 67 21. 1-8. 

The seventh vision^ brings the heavenly Jerusalem. All the glory ^^22 llT 
of life is seen. Eternity has begun. Therefore, upon Christ's promise, 
and with this hope, the Church prays : " Even so come. Lord Jesus !" 

Summary. — Marvellous are these visions, which show that 
God's judgments will come to destroy Satan and the power of the world 
in outward rule and false religion. The saints, though persecuted, 
shall triumph. Christ is King. The end is, blessing with Him. 
These are the great lessons. Much of the detail is still hidden. But 
for this cause the great consolation of this hope dare not be neglected, 
nor this revelation forgotten. It has patience and comfort for 
the saints. 

PRACTICAL LESSONS. 

1. The future belongs finally to Christ and the Church. 

2. The great enemy is still Satan. 

3. Him the power of the world and its history serves. 

4. He has a mighty false religion, against the simplicity of the 
faith of Christ. 

5. The saints must suffer and be persecuted toward the end. 

6. The world will not glide into happiness. It will be judged. 

7. Christ will reign and Satan will be conquered. 

8. The most glorious sights, joys and gifts will eternity have. 

9. But the light of heavenly Jerusalem, its chiefest joy, is the 
Lamb. 

10. The Church must ever pray : Come, Lord Jesus I 



INTRODUCTION TO THE OLD 
TESTAMENT. 



CHAPTER XXI. 

1. The Old Testament is the book of preparation for Christ, 
and contains God's dealings with Israel, the chosen race. In the 
history of God's kingdom it describes also how men received these 
dealings. Some followed God's leading. But many were wicked 
and their words and actions are truly reported as a warning. This 
truthfulness, which characterizes the Scriptures, also reports the sins 
of believers. The divine Spirit of Truth veils nothing. 

New Testament References to the Old Testament. — 
iLukei6.29ff Jesus refers to the Old Testament as God's saving revelation,^ and 
g^^^rki2. 26. confirms His teachings^ and life by its prophecy.^ Peter, following 
Joh'n5^4W7 Christ, appeals to its announcement* of the great Prophet,* and His 
5^ts3*22'^^* suffering and glory. ^ Paul likewise proves his teaching of Jesus by 
7 AcS^'26." 22- Moses and the prophets.'^ He sees in individual incidents® fore- 

8 1 Cor. 10. Iff.- shadowings of Christ and Christian truth for our learning.^* The 

9 Rom. 15, 4. * Gospel itself is promised afore, ^° and all Scriptures of the Old Tes- 
11 2 Tini, 8, ie. tament were given by God's inspiration for our blessing." The 

epistle to the Hebrews unfolds the prophetic meaning of Old Tes- 
tament law aind ceremonies. The Apocalypse is filled with pictures 
and emblems of the prophets. The whole New Testament, and 
after it the early Church, saw mainly the prophetic side of the Old 
Testament. It was used as a Christian book. Some did not under- 
stand the historical difference between shadow and substance, 
prophecy and fulfillment. But they kept the religious truth of the 
Old Testament, which is lost when it is only regaraed as human 
history apart from Christ. 



* Compare opening paragraphs to New Testament. 
86 



INTRODUCTION TO THE OLD TESTAMENT. 87 

2. The Pentateuch ^^ is the name of the first five books of the 12 i- e., the Ave 

fold book. 
Bible. They form one whole and are Israel's law. One in chro- 
nology and aim, they tell of the beginnings of all things to lead to 
the forming of Israel. ^^ As it becomes a nation it migrates.^* God by ^^ Genesis. 

^ ° -^ 14 Exodus. 

covenant shapes and gives it laws as a priestly nation/^ keeps it 15 Leviticus. 

despite its sins in its wanderings,^^ until before the entrance into is Numbers. 

the land of promise Moses repeats the substance of the law in 

mighty orations." i^ Deutero- 

nomy. 

Its Style. — In the whole Pentateuch simple words and pic- 
tures, and a direct, childlike style, are interwoven with the more 
stereotype, chronological, genealogical style of a recorder. But 
these differences, while they may point to various traditions and 
records which were combined, bear the final impress of one human 
mind and one divine Spirit.* 

Its Authorship. — The human writer of the substance of the 

Pentateuch was Moses. It is called the book of the law of Moses, ^^ ^^ josh. 8. 31 ; 

' 2 Kings 14. 6. 

or only the book of Moses. ^^ Moses is said to have written "this Neh. 8. 1. 

•^ 19 2 Cbron. 25. 

law." 20 1 i'^^-p; 

' Ezra 6. 18. 

Neh. 13. 1. 

*The Pentateuch is not the artificial product of late combination, though ^^^ Deut. 31. 9, 
there may have been later additions. Many seeming contradictions are 
only apparent, and repetitions are the result of the fulsome Hebrew style. 
The use of the two divine names God (Hebrew Elohim), and Lord (Hebrew 
Jahve) does not, together with the other differences, point to various sourr-8s. 
It only marks different aspects of God. Elohim mostly emphasizes power, 
majesty; Jahve, fidelity unchangeableness. Sometimes those fundamen- 
tal meanings were forgotten, but this does not invalidate their general 
difference. 

f'This law" may have a restricted meaning, but nothing forbids its 
extension to the whole law. The other Old Testament books rather demand 
it. Joshua frequently and clearly refers to Moses' law, as written in the 
book of the law.i The book of Judges 2 looks back to Moses as transmit- 1 1. 7, 8 ; 8. 31, 
ting God's commandments. The books of Samuel not only contain verbal 3 i^oa.^o* 4* 
reminiscences of the Pentateuch, 3 but presuppose the tabernacle, the ark, " ' • ' 
the laws. The books of Kings, Ezra, Nehemiah, the Chronicles are also full 
of references to Moses' law.-^ These later books contain more references 
because Israel consciously returns to the law. The Psalms everywhere rest . 
on the law.5 The prophets likewise do not show the growth of the law, but 

3 e. g., cp. 1. Sam. 15. 29 with Num. 23. 19 ; 1 Sam. 8. 5 with Deut. 17. 14 ; 2 Sam. 
7. 22-24, with Deut. 3. 24 ; 4. 35 ; 32. 39 ; 9. 26 ; 26. 18. 

4 1 Kings 2. 3 ; 6. 12 ff. ; 9. 4, etc. ; 2 Kings 16. 15, etc. ; Ezra 6. 9 ; 7 ; Neh. 8. 1 ; 
9. 5 ff. ; 1 Chron. 22. 13 ; 2 Chron. 23. 18, etc. 

5cf. Ps. 1; 19; 40.8; 119. 



88 BIBLE LITERATURE. 

Summary. — The Bible is the great history of God's kingdom. 
The Old Testament tells of its beginnings. It looks to Christ. The 
dealings of God with Israel are told in it. His Spirit caused the 
writers truthfully to tell the sins as well as the virtues of the people. 
He moved them as the word of hope was recorded. Through Him is 
kept the supernatural side of a history and truth, which is among 
men but is from above. The end of all is Christ hoped for. 



PRACTICAL LESSONS. 

1. The Bible is the history of God's kingdom. 

2. The Old Testament tells of the beginnings of the kingdom. 

3. It is completely true. 

4. It is the saving revelation of hope. 

5. Christ is the end and aim of the Old Testament. 



its existence 6 in short the whole literature of Israel rests upon and affirms 
the law as the foundation and not the end of its history, and Moses as its 
author. This was always the judgment of the Jews. Christ also confirms 
lt.7 This whole judgment of inspired history cannot be overthrown by 
internal difficulties in the Pentateuch. Those who reject Moses as author of 
the Pentateuch are mostly influenced by the denial of God's direct revela- 
tion to Israel. To them all is natural, nothing supernatural. 



6 Is. 1. 2-4 with Deut. 32 ; 5. 9 ffi with Lev. 26 ; 3. 9 with Gen. 19. 15 ; 11. 5, 16 
with Ex. 14; 24. 18 with Gen. 7. 11; Jer. 5. 19 with Deut. 29, 24 fl^. ; 11. 1 fT. 
with Deut. 4. 23; 32. 18 with Ex. 2J. 6. etc. ; Ezek. 2J. 5 with Ex. 3. 8 ; 4. 31 ; 6. 8 ; 
Deut. 4. 34 ; 22. 26 with Lev. 10. 10 ; 22. 2 ff. ; 44. 20 with Lev. 21. 5 ; Rosea 2. 17 with 
Ex. 23. 13; 4. 10 with Lev. 28. 26; Joel 2. 3 with Gen. 13. 10; 2. 2 with Ex. 10. 14; 
Amos 2. 4 ; 2. 7 with Ex. 23. S ; Lev. 20. 3 ; Deut. 16. 19 ; 2. 8 with Ex. 22. 26, etc. ; 
Obad. 1-19 with Num. 24. 18, 19; Micah 6. 1 ff. with Deut. 32. 1 If. ; Nahum 1. 2 
with Ex. 20. 5 ; 1. 3 with Ex. 34. 6, 7 ; Num. 14. 7. 18 ; Hah. 3. 3 with Deut. 33 2. 

7Cp. Matt. 19. 7; 22. 24; Mark 12. 26; Luke 5. 14; 20. 37; 24. 44; John 1. 17; 
7. 19, 23. 



GENESIS. 



CHAPTER XXII. 

Genesis, the book of beeinninofs or " generations," Mntroduces i 2.4; 5.1; 

^ ^ "= 10.1; 

us to God, the Creator of all thinojs. We see God in a series of pic- il. lo; 

' * ^ 25.12,19; 

tures, as He makes this world according to the plan of unfolding from 36. i ; 37. 2. 

lower to higher. In this work He is ever present through His word 

and power.^ On man He imprints His own image/ places him in ^ 1« 

Eden * and gives him his helpmeet.^ But the freedom of choice, meant * 2.8. 

to be exercised in childlike obedience, becomes unfreedom in sin as 

man falls by Satan's temptation.^ Sin is present and must have its ® 3. 

wages f yet the promise of deliverance is given,^ through the woman's I 3. 14 ff. 

seed. In the working out of this promise, to be finally realized only 

in Christ, two lines of men arise. The one follows^ Cain, the ^ 4. I6ff. 

murderer,^" in sin through Lamech, the first, fierce poet of the sword ^^ 4. 

and war.^^ The other men, descendants of Seth, are the men of faith ^^ 4r. 23 ff. 

and hope.^^ ^^ ^' 

The Progress of Human History. — Even these, the sons of 
God, are corrupted by the Cainites,^' who, though they invent the be- 13 q, 
ginnings of music and the arts," finally compel God to the destruction 14, 4. 20, 
by the flood.^^ All are lost, except ISToah, the man of righteousness, is 6, 7. 
and his family.^^ Noah and his sons form the new beginning of man- is 7, 8. 
kind under a covenant of long-suflfering, waiting mercy." From them 17 9. 
the great divisions of men and nations descend, Japheth being the 
father of the Aryan tribes ; Ham, the wicked and cursed mocker,^^ of '» 9. 20 ff. 
the African people ; Shem, of the Semitic branch.^^ These divisions ^^ 10. 
became marked and men are separated by the confusion of tongues at 
Babel,'^" where God destroys the beginning of world-power to preserve 20 n. 1 ff. 
the germ of the coming race. 

This germ is unfolded in the line of Shem. Through Terah to 
Abram," Israel begins. Its history tells how God prepares salvation 21 11, 27. 
for men. 

9 89 



90 BIBLE LITERATURE. 

The Patriarchs. — With Abram the history of salvation in the 
22 12. Iff. patriarchal period arises. Abram, called and responding in faith," 

23 12. 10. goes to the new land of promise. He is kept in distant Egypt,^' as 

2* cp. 15. 12 tf. }iis people after him shall be.^* For the sake of peace he surrenders his 
26 14* 1 ff right to Lot,25 conquers the kings of the world,^^ and receives blessing 

from the King of righteousness and peace, whom Melchizedek, of 
27 14. 18 ff. Salem, represents and symbolizes.^^ God, upon Abram's faith, makes 
28 15. Iff. ^-^Q covenant of promise to Abram's seed,^^ which is not fulfilled in 

^^16. Ishmael, the son of the bond-maid. ^^ Later it is sealed by circum- 

3117*3% cision.^" Abram, high father of faith, becomes Abraham^^ father of 

33 18. I7ff. ^jjg multitude. He is the man of prayer and is heard.^^ But sin is 

too mighty in Sodom and it must fall, that sin may not again spread 
^^ 19* too widely .^^ Abraham, the patriarch of believing activity, is tempted, 

8* 20. and through unbelieving fear falls,^* but is afterward firm in casting 

35 21.9. out at God's command the unbelieving Ishmael. ^^ Stronger still is 

36 22. Abraham in his readiness to offer up his beloved sonlsaac.^^ This act, 

37 John 8. 16. foreshadowing God's greater gift of His son,^' marks Isaac as the patri- 
II 22— 26. arch of quiet hope.^^ Rescued by God's intervention,^^ he lives a still 
^^ 24. lifg^ comforted by Rebekah's love after the loss of his mother.*" He is 

a picture, not only of hoping faith, but of the gentle helper to come. 

In his younger son, Jacob, there comes the man of strong hope, 

4125.29. 13^^ 2X%o of shrewd activity.*^ Ever ready to gain eternal things by 

human tricks, he is a type of Israel in its weakness as well as in its 
*^2 7. noblest desire. Deceiving his father and brother,*Mie must suffer 

44 III jQ Q- flight.*^ God promises to be with him,** and he pledges gifts to God. 

45 29. 23. jjg -g (deceived in obtaining Leah as his wife.*^ But finally Rachel, 

46 29. 28. whom he loves, is given him too.*^ Through these wives and their 

maids, Jacob becomes the father of twelve sons, from whom descend 
*^§9*oV the tribes of Israel.*'^ At last when God prevails over him, and he 

48 32. 1 ff. submits, he is named Israel,*^ the prince of God. At peace with God, 

49 32. 6 ff. reconciliation with his brother follows.*^ 

Joseph. — The beginning of Israel's trial and the way to its 
national existence lies, however, through the picturesque and romantic 

50 37.3. Ijfg of Joseph. Unusually beloved by his father, ^^ be becomes the 

object of envy to his brethren because of his exemplary life, the 



GENESIS. 91 

father's preference and his own high dreams of power.^i Envy seeks ^^37. 6. 
to destroy hira,^^ but affection would save him.^^ Envy conquers and 53 §1* .^' 
sells him as a slave. ^^ This Joseph, rejected by his brethren, fore- 5*37.26. 
shadows a greater one, hated and rejected. The sold slave receives 
high place.^^ Temptation seeks him,^^ but he conquers, only to be ^^ 39. 
imprisoned by lying, lustful hate.^'^ In prison God raises up friends ^"^ 39. 17 s. 1 
for him.^^ Dreams, which he interprets,^^ at last lead him to ^^ 39. 21 ff. 
Pharaoh's presence.®** There he interprets Pharaoh's dreams so ^041. 
clearly and advises so prudently," that he is made co-regent.®^ In ggii'S^* 
this position he receives his brethren, tries them, saves them,®^ and in ^^ 42, 43, 44. 
loving affection sends for his old father.®* To Egypt Jacob comes ®*4:5. 
and dwells;®' there he dies, with many prophetic blessings for his ^^ 4.6, 47. 
sons,®® seeing the hope to come (the prince of peace) in Judah.®'^ In 6749']^^* 
Egypt Israel prospers, until Joseph dies.®^ 6849, 50. 

Summary — From God, the Creator, is the beginning. His 
works are good. Man mars them by the disobedience of sin. In it he 
follows Satan's temptation. Through Satan, the murderer from the 
beginning, envious murder enters the world, and man's culture is 
tainted with sin's selfishness. Man must be destroyed when his 
wickedness becomes too great. He must be scattered when he puts 
his power and kingdom against God's. 

But from the woman, who fell first, God will bring the deliverer. 
He promises mercy after punishment. He prepares salvation by 
selecting a man (Abraham), and through him a people (Israel), 
and out of it a tribe (Judah). Through this people shall the world be 
blessed in Christ Jesus. 

PRACTICAL LESSONS. 

1. God maketh all things by His word. 

2. God's works are good. 

3. Satan brought temptation to sin. 

4. By man's disobedience sin entered the world. 

5. Sin tainted everything and brought death. 

6. God promised help through the woman's seed. 

7. He gives peace after the flood. 

8. Blessing shall come to men through Israel. 

9. The blessing of Israel is Christ. 



EXODUS. 



CHAPTER XXIII. 

i 1.7. Israel in Egypt. — In Egypt Israel grows in numbers,^ but 

3 1. 8. Joseph's services are forgotten,^ and a new dynasty arises to whom 

3 1.9. the foreign shepherds are an abomination.^ They are oppressed by 

4 1. 11 flf. hard service as royal slaves.* As they still increase, their newly born 
^ }• l^'^ sons are ordered to be killed.^ Some are secretly rescued.^ 

« 1. 17 ff. •' 

" 2.1. Moses. — Among those saved is Moses/ who through God's 

8 2. 5 ff. providence is adopted and educated by Pharaoh's daughter.^ Blood 

® 2.iiff; and faith become stronger in Moses than education and power.® 

10^2^12 Impatient anger leads to premature action,'" and Moses must flee." 

11 2. 15. ji^ ii^Q desert's forty years' stillness, where he finds a home and 

13 q'lV^* wife,^'^ all plans are abandoned, until God calls him strongly" to 

deliver Israel. The message of deliverance is to rest on God's 

14 3, 14. name of unchangeable fidelity, Jehovah.^* 

Moses Before Pharaoh. — Equipped with this message and 

15 4. Iff. with accrediting signs,'^ and in his wavering supported by his 
brother Aaron as spokesman,'* Moses appears to his people." Then 
he boldly stands before Pharaoh.'^ But Pharaoh makes Israel's 
bondage harder,'® yet God renews the promise of deliverance ^® 
through Moses, a true descendant of Israel.^' With his God-given 

signs Moses now approaches Pharaoh, but Pharaoh's magicians 

22 7. 11 ff. imitate the signs.^^ A mighty struggle with Pharaoh ensues. By 

nine powerful miracles Moses shows the power of God over Egypt's 
false gods ; and Pharaoh's claim of power, independent of God, is 

23 8, 9, 10. shown to be futile.^^ Still Pharaoh hardens his heart, and God 

24 cp. Rom. 9. hardens him, and in him shows his mighty judgment.^* With a 

last powerful act God kills Egypt's first-born, that they may let His 
25 11. first-born son of choice go.'^^ For a time Pharaoh relents. Moses 

and his people are bidden to go. They prepare in the night, gird 
92 



16 


4. 


14. 


17 


4. 


29 ff. 


18 


5. 


1. 


19 


5. 


5ff. 


20 


6. 


Iff. 


21 


6. 


14 ff. 



EXODUS. 93 

up their clothes, put on their sandals, and carry the unleavened 
bread, the sign of purity. They are rescued from God's slaying 
angel by the blood of a lamb. The angel's passing over typifies a 
great, final redemption, thought of in the yearly Passover.^^ 26 12. 1 ff. 

Leaving" Egypt. — Six hundred thousand men, without count- 
ing the women and children, are gathered and march from Rameses 
to Succoth, to Etham." Their guide is God's revealing and con- ^^I2.37ff. 
cealing cloud of presence by day, which is kindled, figuratively, by the 
fire of His holiness by night.^^ It leads them southward along the Eed ^^ i** ^^ ^• 
Sea. As they approach its northern end and fear to be hemmed in 
by the pursuing Egyptians, a north wind, driving back the waves, 
makes a path through the sea, and they pass over. The Egyptians, 
long anxious to attack, but kept back by the darkness of the cloud, 
which to Israel was light, rush into the Eed Sea after Israel. But the 
wind ceases, the waves of the sea return, it storms, lightning flashes; 
and all of Pharoah's hosts are destroy ed.^^ On the farther shore 29 14. 28 ff. 
Moses and the children of Israel join in a hymn of triumphant deliv- 
erance.'" 30 15. 

On Toward Sinai. — The emigrants are now on the way to 

Mount Sinai. In their passage through the wilderness of Shur, the 

bitterness of Marah's spring'^ is sweetened by God's direction, even 31 15. 23. 

though they ungratefully murmur in impatience. God grants rest at 

Elim's waters and under its palms.^^ Onward again the journey 3215.27. 

leads through the desert of Sin, where God provides manna as 

bread,'' and upon new complaint of Israel sends quails.'* For the 33 le. 1 ff. 
' ^ ^ ^ 34 16. 12 ff. 

gathering of manna the Sabbath day is excepted, yet some in dis- 
obedience seek it on the Sabbath.'^ A further advance leads to ^^ 16. 22 ff. 
Rephidim,'® where Israel's discontent grows to chiding and strife in 36 1 7. 1 ff. 
which Moses is almost stoned, because water is not provided at once. 
Enemies now appear in the Amalekites.'^ They are conquered by ^^17.8 ff. 
the assistance of Moses' prayer, in which Aaron and Hur support 
him. As in prayer Moses is not to be alone, so in the growing ad- 
ministration of justice he follows the wise counsel of Jethro, his 
father-in-law, who brings Moses' wife to him ; and judges are 
appointed for the thousands, hundreds, fifties and tens.'^ 38 ig. 



94 BIBLE LITERATURE. 

The Law. — The time comes for the solemn preparation of the 
giving of the law at Sinai. Israel sanctifies itself as a holy nation 
before the mighty revelation of God's majestic holiness.'^ This 
speaks forth in the Ten Fundamental Commandments}^ They form 
the foundation of the Book of the Covenant, ^^ with its necessary 
laws of right in Israel. The first laws, after idolatry is forbidden,*' 
command what each owes his neighbor. Servants are to be guar- 
anteed their right of freedom,*^ and there is to be no servitude 
forever, unless by choice. This freedom of life is further guarded 
by punishing all harm inflicted on life.** Next to life, property 
of every kind is safeguarded,*^ All uncleanness is severely forbid- 
den.*^ The law is to be the doing of mercy toward strangers 
widows, orphans and the poor,*^ combined with reverence toward 
the rulers*^ and God, to whom the first fruits are to be offered.*' 
Justice and charity are to be kept ; ^^ the day of rest of every week, 
and the seventh year's rest, are to be observed and granted to all.^^ 
Thus the duty toward others leads to the duty due God.^^ His 
covenant is sealed and confirmed by solemn sacrifice.^' 

The Sanctuary. — Upon this covenant God begins to dwell in 
special presence^* among Israel, and gives direction for His sanc- 
tuary.^^ It is to contain the ark of the covenaut,^^ overshadowed 
by the cherubim, to show that God's holy testimony is covered by 
His mercy. Of next importance is the altar of shewbread,^'' which 
betokens that all gifts come from God, and after it the golden can- 
dlestick of constant, holy light. The sanctuary, as the tabernacle of 
revelation was to have the carefully separated part's. The Holiest, 

59 27* 1 ff "^^^ ^"^^h, The Courtis ^jth its altar of burnt-offering.^^ The holy 

60 27.20. light was to have holy oil,^" and holy men were to be selected and 
31 28. 29. consecrated as priests. ^^ 

Daily are the services of burnt-, meat- and drink-offerings; 

62 30. 1 ff. 2iVidi incense is constantly to ascend, picturing unceasing prayer.^^ 

63 30. 7 ff. Directions are given the priests for their work.^^ The people, 

not priests, are to redeem themselves from the claim of service, 
6*30. 11 ff. which they all owed God.^* Besides the priests, two great work- 
er 31. iff. ujen are selected and guided in their skill by God's Spirit.^^ The 



39 


19. 




40 


20. 


Iff. 


41 


20- 


-24. 


42 


20. 


22 ff. 


48 21. 


Iff. 


44 


21.12ff. 


45 


22. 


Iff. 


46 


22. 


16 ff. 


*T22. 


21 ff. 


48 
49 
50 


22. 
22. 

23. 


28. 
29. 
Iff. 


51 


23. 


10 ff 


^2 


23. 


18. 


«3 


24. 


Iff. 


S4 


24. 


9. 


65 
56 


25. 
25. 


Iff. 
10 ff. 


5T 


25. 


23 ff. 



EXODUS. d6 

Sabbath law, even in view of the work of the sanctuary, is again 
enforced.^^ 66 3i.i2flr. 

Israel's Idolatry. — Despite God's holy law and mercifiil pre- 
sence Irsael sins. It breaks the covenant by idolatry .'^^ God's just ^^ S'2. 1 flf. 
wrath is averted by Moses' mediation,^^ foreshadowing a greater 6832. 30 ff 
mediator, and God reveals Himself as long-suffering. New tables of 
the law are given,^^ and God's holiness shines in Moses' face, so that ®® 34. 1 ff. 
Israel cannot behold him.^^ ^« 34. 29 ff. 

The Tabernacle Completed. — The work of preparing the 
tabernacle is resumed. The time of work is determined, the material 
collected and recounted, the making of the tabernacle and all its 
equipments begun.^^ When all is completed Moses inspects and '''^35-39. 
blesses it." Jehovah gives the final directions, and enters into His ''^^39. 32fC 
sanctuary with His holy, but merciful presence." ^^ ^^* 

Suramary. — God leads Israel from bondage, and by Him it is 
made a people. It is sanctified by God's deliverance. His covenant, 
His sanctuary and worship. Its fundamental law is holy love to God 
and man. But in its wanderings, a type of the Christian's pilgrim- 
age, it is impatient, ungrateful, unbelieving, idolatrous, and is kept 
for the future only by God's long-suffering mercy. 



PRACTICAL LESSONS. 

1. God is the true deliverer. 

2. He prepares a people to be holy. 

3. His law is holy love. 

4. Worship must lead to holiness. 

5. The sin of unbelief is the source of all sins against holine^. 

6. God's long-suffering goodness seeks the sinner's salvation. 



LEVITICUS. 



CHAPTER XXIV. 

The Sacrifices. — The nation selected to be holy is marked by 
the priestly law for a priestly people. This law begins with the sac- 
rifices ; for to bring these is the priest's first duty. Five difierent 
sacrifices are to be distinguished : (C. 1 ) Burnt-offerings, in which the 
burning up by fire embraces the main idea of all sacrifices, viz. : the 
entire giving up to God. (C. 2) Meat-offerings, in which the fruits of 
nature are acknowledged before Him who gave them. (C. 3) Peace- 
offerings, as expressions of a grateful, satisfied soul. (C. 4) Sin- 
offerings, which portray the expiation and removal of sin. (C. 5) 
D^espass-offerings, in which the central thought is satisfaction for 
G. wrong. Rightly to bring these sacrifices,^ the priest must learn to 

7. 1 ff. know how to use the trespass-offering ; ^ how to direct the peace-offer- 

7. 12 tf. ing,^ as a gift of the rejoicing,* the fulfillment of a vow or as a free- 
7. 28. will gift.^ In these sacrifices there shall be a portion for the priest. * 

The Priests. — For their work the priests must be consecrated. 
The right sacrifices must be offered by the properly authorized priests. 
They, who act as mediators between the holy God and sinful man, 
must be separated by cleansing. They are to be holy, robed in spot- 
8. 1 ff. less garments, and anointed with oil as receiving divine unction. ' 

8. 14 ff. But sacrifices must accompany the induction of the priest,^ not only 
to mark their rendering themselves up to God's service, but also to 
cleanse them wholly in every member and with every garment. The 
high priest, as God's oracle, is to wear the breast-plate with twelve 
stones, to represent the interceding heart on which he is to bear all 
Israel. His bright Urim and Thummim (light and right) is given him, 
8. 8, 9. that God through it may indicate His will.^ As thus directed, Mosee 

consecrated Aaron and his sons. And when Aaron, after atonement 
for himself and the people, in priestly duty completes the sacrifices 
96 



LEVITICUS. 97 

by blessing,^** God Himself answers by tbe fire of His glorious, holy lo 9. 8 ff. 

11 9. 24 ff". 

presence." This holy fire is to kindle all sacrifices. But in disobe- 
dience Nadab and Abihii bring strange fire.^^ God's holy zeal devours *^ ^^' ^ ^" 
them, that He alone may be glorified. Again, the priests are instructed 
to mark carefully the difference between holy and unholy, clean and 
unclean, and to keep themselves from wine, when they serve, so that 
all the types may clearly signify the holy lesson to be taught,^' ^^ 10. 8 ff. 

The Clean and Unclean. — But all Israel is to learn the lesson 
of cleanness of heart by the law of clean and unclean in outward, visible 
life. Clean and unclean food,^* sickness, and, above all, the naturally i* ll. 
incurable leprosy, ^^ show the deep corruption, infection and wretch- is 13, 14. i ff 
edness of sin which even defiles things ^® and needs God's purifying. ^^ 14. 33 ff. 
The more to impress these laws and to do away with uncleanness, an 
annual day of atonement is instituted. On it, with duly significant 
ritual,^^ the high priest brings sacrifices for himself, as an unholy 
mediator, and then offers for the people the blood, which is accepted 
at God's mercy-seat and is also borne away by the scape-goat, to point 
to the final redemption and total removal of sin by the perfect High- 
priest, who is also the complete Sacrifice. ^^ ^^ ^^' ^®^* "^ 

Holiness in Life. — The laws of purification are followed by the 
law of holiness for the whole life. The life that has been purified must 
be kept holy. This is again first illustrated in nature and applied to 
Israel as a people. All of Israel's law is national before it is per- 
sonal, for it is with the nation that God deals, and with the individual 
through the nation. In the sacrifices to be brought, whatever is 
unholy must be avoided, and in the meat that is eaten, the blood, 
sacred by its bearing life, must be shunned.^^ All sacrifice is to be ^'17. iff. 
sanctified in the sanctuary, that Israel may not serve demons.^® 20 1 7, 7 ff. 
Beside food, life in matrimony ^^ is to be holy, and every unclean- 21 18, 
ness, shame and unnatural abomination is to be avoided. For such 
sin the land spued out the unholy Canaanites. In all relations 
toward God and man, God's holy law is to be kept, the order of 
unmixed purity is to be observed symbolically in nature, and really 
in the moral world. In the daily life with Israelites and strangers, 
jnercy, honesty and justice are to prevail.^^ 2219, 



98 BIBLE LITERATURE. 

Punishments. — Whoever commits sins against such laws must 
receive punishment without hindrance, especially for idolatry and 

24 in* Q ^' conjuring,-^ for cruelty to parents ^* and terrible sins of the flesh,^^ 

25 20. 10 ff. which abuse the holiness of the natural bonds of aifection. Holiness 

is further demanded in general directions, based upon God's presence 

26 20. 22 ff. as the Holy One.^^ 

27 21. Iff. The laws for the holiness of priests follow. In case of death,^^ 

28 21. 13 ff. which, as sin's wages, defiles, and in their natural family life,^^ they 

29 21.17. are to avoid contamination. Without blemish in body,^' cleansed 

30 22. after un cleanness they are to bring holy and hallowed offerings.^" 

Festivals. — Holy is the service and worship of Israel to be, in 
31 23. 1 ff. the great festivals, as in the weekly Sabbath.^^ These festivals are the 
82 23. 5 ff. passover of deliverance; ^^ the festival of the harvest; ^^ of pentecost, 

34^23. 15 ff. the offering of the first fruits; ^* the feast of trumpets, the beginning 
33 23. 23 ff. of the year;^^ the great day of atonement,^^ and the feast of taber- 

36 23.26. J > o J > 

37 23. 83 ff. nacles, commemorating Israel's wanderings.,^'' Holiness is to be 
33 24. Iff. observed in daily worship. The holy lamp^^ and the shewbread^* 

are to be kept properly. A daily holy worship demands holiness of 
40 24. 10 ff. life. Therefore, the blaspheming son of Shelomith *® is stoned, and 
*i 24. 13 ff. God's holiness is vindicated. His law is for the stranger also.*^ As in 

the yearly, weekly, and daily worship, so God's holiness is to be 

42 25. 1 ff. taught in the Sabbatical year ^^ and the 50th year of iubilee *^ which 

43 25.8ff. ° J J 

effect the freedom of Israel. The holiness of worship must guarantee 

44 25. 14 ff. the right of all to home and freedom.** Social rights rest on religious 

45 26. 1, 2. sanctions.*^ Knowing this law, Israel is to choose between the bless- 
4^ i«* ?/fF ^^^ ^^ keeping it*^ and the curse of transgression *^ Repentance will, 
48 26. 40 ff. however, save the transgressor.*f 

*®27. In an appendix*^ the holiness of vows is emphasized which are 

made in redeeming the firstborn, in promised gifts, and in tithes. 

Summary. — Thus in the great outlines as well as in the details 
of the laws of purity and holiness for priests and priestly people, 
God pictures the deep corruption of human nature, punishes trans- 
gression and demonstrates the need of expiation for sin. Ceremonial 
uncleanness enters into the minutest particulars of life and food. 
But for all uncleanness there is the sacrifice to be brought by the 



LEVITICUS. 99 

priest. This pictures the great Redeemer who is at once the true 
sacrifice for all sin and the final priest. When sin is removed the 
offerings of prayer and gratitude can be brought, and holiness will 
mark God's service and guarantee man's rights. 



PRACTICAL LESSONS. 

1. Sinfulness has corrupted the whole nature. 

2. The sinful heart appears in the smallest things. 

3. Sin is unholiness before God and uncleanness in man. 

4. There must be sacrifice for sin. 

6. The sacrifice must be offered by a mediator. 

6. Christ is mediator and sacrifice. 

7. The sanctified heart brings offerings of gratitude and peace. 

5. Holiness is the true foundation of civil liberty. 



NUMBERS. 



CHAPTER XXV. 

Numbers continues the history of Israel's journey. It contains 

no complete record, but only gives incidents in an annalistic manner. 

With these it recounts the origin of certain laws. To show their 

rise facts before mentioned are again told. Numbers refers to an old 

121.14. book "The Wars of the Lord," ^ and contains an ancient pastoral 

2 21. 17. song of the well.^ 

Preparation for the March. — A census of men able to bear 
® 1* arms is first recorded.' The various tribes are grouped about the 

* 2. sanctuary, and assigned their place for the jnarch.* But the non- 

combatants, the Levites, are also counted, and take the place of the 

* 3. firstborn, whose redemption is legalized.^ The law of service, the 
® 4:. age and number of Levites are then given.^ As they are to be holy, 

so the whole camp is to be purified, that Israel's way may be clean 
before God. The unclean is removed; the law of restitution is 
unfolded, and the sacrifice to determine the justice of jealous sus> 
^ 5. picion is ordered.'^ These enactments to keep or restore purity are 

8 6. 1 ff. followed by the law of the Nazarite,^ whose vows are special prom- 

ises of separation from every defilement. Israel cleansed receives 
e 6. 22 ff. the constant form of divine benediction.' 

The offerings of the princes at the final dedication of the taber- 

10 7. nacle are recounted ; ^'^ the lighting of the golden candlesticks, as the 

sign of God's perpetual light over Israel, is ordered ; the Levites are 

11 8. inducted into office and their time of service determined." The law 

of the Passover is repeated, that an after- celebration may be pro- 

12 9 ff. vided for those excluded at the regular time by legal uncleanness.^^ 

God then gives the signal for departure from Sinai, and leads by the 

13 9. 15 ff. cloud of His presence.^' 

On the March. — Israel is now upon the march from Sinai to 
100 



NUMBERS. 101 

the plains of Moab.^* On this journey Hobab, brother-in-law of ^* 10. i ff. 
Moses, is persuaded to cast in his lot with Israel.'^ Israel soon sins ^^ 10. 29. 
anew. It unjustly complains against God and arouses His anger 
against itself; audit lusts for flesh and is w^eary of manna. ^^ In ^^ll.iff. 
the burden which such sin and his work cast upon Moses/^ he asks ^^ !!• lOff- 
God to relieve him of the whole load. Seventy elders are given Moses 
as spiritual helpers. Of these Eldad and Medad prophesy, foreshadow- 
ing the gift of the Spirit for all.^^ But Israel is not yet guided by ^® n. 26 ff. 
the Spirit. It murmurs in sin and receives its reward. For in the 
lustful eating of quails, which God sent, many die.^^ Their graves ^*ll.8iff. 
testify of their sin.* A rebellious spirit against Moses seizes Miriam 
and Aaron, because Moses marries an Ethiopian w^oman. They speak 
against Moses' God-given place, and, therefore, God punishes Miriam 
with leprosy. But Moses in his great meekness prays for her recovery.^** 
He is thus a true intercessor and foreshadows a greater Mediator, ^o 12. 
The wilderness of Paran is reached, and Kadesh, from whence twelve 
spies are sent out into Canaan.^^ When they return, they give a 21 13. 
glorious account of the land, but inspire a fear of its inhabitants. 
Israel taken with a panic will not advance, despite the assurances of 
Joshua and Caleb.^^ As the people thus doubt God's power, He 22 14. 1 ff. 
condemns them to forty year's wandering in the wilderness. But 
now in perverseness they will go northward. Vanquished by 
Amalekites and Canaanites they are thrown back to Hormah.^' 23 14. 40 ff. 

The Forty Years' Wandering Begins. — A few of its occur- 
rences are preserved. In addition the law of sacrifices is fiirther 
unfolded. Meat- and drink-ofierings are to be the constant accom- 
paniment of other sacrifices, to show the gladness of all gifts toward 
God.^* Strangers are also to bring gifts. ^^ A cake of dough is to 24 15. iff. 
be offered as a heave-offering of joy .^® Sin offerings for trespasses of ^^ 1^* ^^• 
weakness are again ordered," but presumptuous sins must be severelv 

27 15. 22 ff. 

punished, as is exemplified in the case of the Sabbath breaker. ^^ As 28 15 '^2 
a memorial of the covenant Israel is to put fringes on its garments ; ^* 29 15. 37. 
for the covenant still remains with its laws despite Israel's sin. 

The family of the Levite Korah joined by the Eeubenites Dathan 
* Kibroth-hattaavah— graves of lust. 



102 BIBLE LITERATURE. 

30 16. Iff. iind Abiram rebel against Moses and Aaron. ^" They resent Moses' 

and Aaron's authority and leadership. The rebel leaders are swallowed 
up by the earth ; the multitude, which followed, is depopulated by a 

31 16. 31 ff. plague, which ceases upon Moses' prayer,^^ after God's just wrath is 
satisfied. The right of Aaron to the special priesthood is confirmed by 

32 17. the budding rod ; ^'^ and the duties and income of the priests are care- 

3^ 18. fully fixed.^* As in the plague and during this whole time death be- 

comes frequent, the law of purification by the ashes of the red heifer 

^* 19' is promulgated.^* 

Near Canaan. — The forty years have passed. Israel again 

35 20. 1. gathers at Kadesh to proceed to Moab.^^ Miriam dies. Because of 

36 20. 2 ff. lack of water the people murmur.se Moses and Aaron wearied by the 

sin of the first generation, are overcome by this outbreak of the new 

37 20. 7 ff. generation, and act with angered, impatient disobedience.^'' There- 

fore they are not to enter the promised land. Israel advances ; the 
Edomites block the way. Israel goes to Mount Hor, where Aaron 

38 20. 22ff. dies.^^ By God's power Arad is conquered. Shortly Israel again 

murmurs. Fiery serpents are sent to punish. From them there is 
392i.7ff. wonderful help by faith,^* prefiguring the future salvation by the 
*ocp. Johns. Messiah.^" Passing around Edom Israel conquers Heshbon and 
" 21. 17 ff. Bashan," and arrives at the fields of Moab opposite Jericho. 

Here Balaam, the prophet who loved the wages of unrighteous- 

/2 22. ness, is sought by Balak of Moab and the Midianites to curse Israel.*^ 

43 23. Despite God's hindrance Balaam would go; but he must bless thrice,*^ 

**24. ^jj(j gggg ^Y^Q conquering star of Jacob,** a vision fully realized in 

Christ. But Israel thus blessed destroys itself by adultery with the 

Moabites and Midianites at the idolatrous festival of Baal-Peor. A 

mighty plague comes upon it, but the righteous zeal of Phinehas 

'''^25. prepares rescue.*^ 

*®26. j^ iiew census is taken.*® The daughters of Zelophedad are 

^g|Z*}g^- allowed to inherit.*^ Joshua is appointed leader.*^ The law of 

sacrifice for every day and the festivals is developed ; vows of virginity 

49 28, 29, 30. are regulated.*^ War is declared on the Midianites, in which Balaam, 

50 31. ^ho had incited them to lead Israel into adultery, perishes.^** The 

law of division of booty is given. Reuben, Gad and half of Manasseh 



NUMBERS. 103 

are allowed land on the east of Jordan.^^ The list of places of en- si 32. 
campment kept by Moses is recorded.^^ Laws are given for the 5233, 
possession of Canaan, and the boundaries provisionally assigned.^* ^^ 34. 
The Legates receive forty-eight cities, six of which are to be cities of 
refiige. ^* The law of inheritance, suggested by the case of the ^* 35. 
daughters of Zelophedad, is given, that women who inherit shall 
only marry men of their tribe, to keep the tribal possessions intact.^^ 55 36. 

Summary. — God has numbered His people and keeps them. 
They murmur and rebel against Him and His prophets. Because of 
imbelief they cannot enter the promised land. By presumption they 
fall. Their sin taints even God's own leaders. But God accepts the 
mediator's prayer, pardons sins, and raises up a new generation and 
leader. For His covenant's sake grace doth abound. 



PRACTICAL LESSONS. 

1. God numbers and keeps His own. 

2. Eebellious hearts wound God's love. 

3. Unbelief loses God's promises. 

4. The sin of presumption brings a great fall. 

5. A sinful generation weakens even strong leaders. 

6. God is true to His gracious covenant though generations pass 

and come. 



DEUTERONOMY. 



1 1. 1 ff. 



CHAPTER XXVI. 

Its General Character. — As the people are gathered in the 
plain of Moab, east of the Jordan,^ Moses begins a series of orations, 
which review the past with its experiences and lessons, and again 
inculcates the law. Occasionally the flow of an oration is inter- 

2g.gr., 2.20 ff. rupted by historical explanations.^ Prefaces, titles, incidents also 
intervene. The style is full, rich, forceful and majestic. 

3 1—4. 40. The First Oration ' opens with recalling God's command to 

Israel to possess the land of promise. The main content is Moses* 
review of his work. First he calls to mind his experience, how after 
the giving of the law, he under Israel's burden and strife appointed 

* 1. 13 ff. elders.* Then comes the great, critical time, when at Kadesh Israel 
would not advance, but forgot God's power in cowardly fear of the 

5 1. 19 ff. Anakim.^ God's wrath breaks forth ; the people shall not pass over 
the Jordan. They are to wander. With plaintive sadness Moses 
tells how he, too, was involved in their sin. " The Lord was angry 
with me for your sakes " recurs as a refrain.* The oration is full of 
passionate appeal, that the people may not forget God's will. When 
they forgot, they advanced presumptuously only to be defeated.' But 
after long wandering,^ in which they are not to meddle with Edomites, 
Moabites, Ammonites,* they conquer Og and Sihon. The period 
of possession of the land begins.^" But Moses, despite his prayer, 
is not to enter the promised land.^^ He is to see, not to have,*'^ as he 
sadly recalls. His office is ended. These his words are not to be 
added to or taken from.^^ As Israel remembers the majestic revela- 
tion of God when He gave the law, His choice of them before the 
nations. His guidance. His punishment of sin, they are to be true.'* 
If they forget, surely punishment will come. Yet if in their tribu- 
lations they seek God, they will find Him, for He is merciful. His 
104 



6 


1.S7; 
3.26; 
4.21. 


T 


1. 41 ff. 


8 


2. 


9 


2.4ff. 


10 


3. Iff. 


11 
12 


3.23ff. 
3.26. 


13 


4. Iff. 


14 


4.4£ 



DEUTERONOMY. 105 

statutes are they to keep that it may be well with them.^^ Then ^^ 4. 23 ff. 
Moses reiterates the need of cities of refiige.^^ ^^ 4.. 4i ff. 

The Second Oration ^^ delivered in the valley over against ^^ 4.44—26. 
Beth-Peor/^ begins with the giving of the covenant at Horeb." H *• J^^ 
Solemnly Moses recites the ten commandments,^" earnestly reminds ^^ 5. 6 flf. 
Israel how they saw God's glory ^^ and yet lived, and then sums up ^^ 5. 23 ff. 
God's will, that they might fear Himj^-^ and keep the law of love to ^^ ^* ^^• 
God and man.^* Ever is Israel to recall and faithfully to teach this ^^ ^* ^ ^' 
law,^* to remember God and His wonders and not tempt Him.^^ In ^g g' ^/^ 
its new land Israel is utterly to smite the nations, and not follow 
their idolatry ; '^^ but in holiness, keeping to the faithful God of the ^^ '*' ^ ^• 
covenant, be preserved from harm and led to victory. ^^ Never ^^ T. 6 ff. 
is the memory of God's dealings to be forgotten. He led and kept 
Israel in the wilderness.'^^ When now they enter the promised land, ^^ ^' ^ ^' 
so rich and beautiful, and are satisfied, it is the Lord whom they 
should remember.^' Passing over the Jordan, they are not to glory ^^ 8. 7 ff. 
as though by their righteousness they had come in.^° For the ^o 9. 1 ff. 
wickedness of the Canaanites the Lord doth drive them out. But 
Israel, ever stiff-necked, had provoked God's wrath in the desert, 
been saved by intercession,^^ and a second time received the tables of ^^ ^' ^ ^• 
the law through God's mercy .^^ Recalling this and all of God's ^^ ^^* ^ ^* 
miracles and punishments, they are to enter with a circumcised 
heart, and fear, love and serve the Lord. Faithfulness in the cove- 
nant will give them whatever land their foot treadeth upon, and will 
bestow every blessing of nature. For disobedience the heavens will 
be closed. Between the blessing and the curse are they to choose.^' ^^ 10. 11—12, 

Then follow repetitions of laws, as duties of a holy people. One 
central place of worship^* is there to be. Idolatry must be pun- ^4=12. 
ished,'^ and heathenish customs of mourning and uncleanness must ^^ 13. 
be avoided.^^ Tithes are to be rendered ; ^^ release from debt be given ^® i*. iff 

' o 3T 14. 22 ff. 

to the poor and freedom to the sl*aves at the set time ; and the first- 
lings of the cattle are to be sanctified.^^ The three great festivals ^s 15. 
are to be kept.^^ The offices of the theocracy, their rights and ^^ 16. 1 ff. 
duties, are unfolded for judges,**^ kings of the future," priests and 17.* 13. 

4117 14 ff 

Levites.*^ But the hope of the future is the great prophet like i^ isi 



106 BIBLE LITERATURE. 

*3 18. 15. Moses, the Christ.*^ False prophets must be detected and re- 

** 18. 20ff. jected.** 

Still other laws are recalled. They refer to cities of refage, 

*5 19. changing boundaries, false witness/^ service in war and siege of 

*6 20. cities/^ murder, women taken in war, right of firstborn, stoning of a 

47 21. stubborn son, burial of the hanged,*^ transgressions of the law of 

48 22. purity,*^ membership in the congregation, purification of the camp, 

49 23. fugitive servant, usury, vows,*^ divorce, oppression, leprosy,^'' pun- 

ishment by scourging, right of animals, marriage of deceased 

^^ 25. brother's wife, unjust weights.^^ A prayer for Pentecost follows, and 

a final admonition enforces obedience to the laws fragmentarily 

^^26. reviewed by the orator. ^^ 

53 2 7-28.68. The Third Oration ^^ is a mighty appeal of Moses to the 

people. Among elders, and with the priests and Levites, the bless- 
ings and curses, to be hereafter pronounced at Ebal and Gerizim, had 
been set forth by Moses. Then he unfolded the blessings which 
would follow obedience to God's law. Blessed was Israel to be in city 
and country, fruit of body, cattle and ground. The fulness of God's 

s4 28. 1 flf. good treasure would be theirs.^* If the people will not hearken to the 

Lord, curses shall come. Disease, consumption, fever, mildew, the 
sword, enemies, madness and blindness of heart. There is the curse 
everywhere. Strangers shall have the land, but Israel shall serve 
its enemies and be led into a new captivity. 

55 29, 30. The Fourth Oration,^^ of the covenant in Moab, points to 

56 29. 10. personal responsibility.^^ The person, tribe, family that doeth wrong 

shall be cursed. The Lord will find the sin and judge it. The land 

57 29. 20flr. shall be like Sodom.^^ Secret searchings of sin are the Lord's, but 

the judgment shall be revealed. Mercy will God render, if Israel 
c8 30. 1 ff. remember God in her captivity.^^ Heaven and earth are witness that 

59 30. 15 ff. life and death have been set before Israel.^® 

60 31. Moses' Farewell. — In his farewell words,^** Moses encourages 

the people. " Be strong and of good courage." " The Lord goeth 

before thee." As a human leader Joshua is appointed. The words of 

61 32. the covenant are written down. And then follows Moses' song.^^ As 

rain shall his doctrine drop when he speaks of the Lord. God is the 



DEUTERONOMY. 107 

Kock Who kept Israel among the nations as the apple of His eye. He 
gave them fatness, kine and wine. " But Jeshurun waxed fat and 
kicked." Anger arises. Visions oftrouble are seen. Arrows, hunger, 
heat, teeth of beasts, poison of serpents, and the sword shall come. 
Only short of destruction shall the judgment stop, that Israel's enemies 
may not glory against God. At last when Israel shall have thrown 
away its loathsome gods, the Lord will repent Him of His people, and 
again be their rock. 

With a final benediction and stirring words of blessing to every 
tribe,®^ Moses passes away. Some one else adds the account of his ea 33, 
solitary way to Pisgah ; his last gaze on the land of promise ; his 
lonely, unknown grave. Great is the weeping, and like Moses arose 
not another prophet.®^ Thus ends this book of magnificent eloquence ^3 34. 
with its refrain ; *' Lest ye forget." 

Summary. — Obedience to God's law brings blessing. Sin, 
which breaks the covenant, causes every sort of curse. But over all is 
mercy, which chose Israel and which will save the repentant to the 
uttermost. 



PRACTICAL LESSONS. 

1. God's good dealings are not to be forgotten. 

2. God shows mercy to thousands who keep His commandments, 

and blesses them body and soul. 

3. Sin brings every curse and evil of life. 

4. The repentant sinner shall live. 



JOSHUA. 



CHAPTER XXVII. 

Prophetic-Historical Books.— With the book of Joshua 
there begins the series of prophetic-historical books, which the Jews 
call the "first prophets." This series extends through II Kings, but 
Ruth does not belong to it. A connected thread of history is carried 
on from the conquest of Palestine to the exile in Babylon. Historical 
facts are not told to portray Israel's outward development, but to 
show God's gracious dealing with His people. Facts are selected 
and arranged to teach the history of salvation, as it was prepared 
despite Israel's sin. Therefore, it is the history of prophets, who 
unfold God's action in accord with His covenant, and Israel's dis- 
obedience toward this covenant. 

Joshua is rightly classed with these books. It might appear to 
be a part of the Law, and is by some put with it for similarity of 
language, style and structure, and because it carries forward the story 
of the latter part of Numbers. The first six books of the Bible are 
then called Hexateuch (the six-fold book). But there are in Joshua 
new words, and a partly different linguistic coloring from that 
found in the Pentateuch. The style is in part living, vivid, but very 
largely stereotype, formal, owing particularly to the catalogues of 
conquests, and the detailed account of boundaries. The entering of 
the promised land marks a new, distinct period in Israel's history, 
different from the formative beginning of the law. Joshua is Moses' 
successor, yet he does not simply complete his work, but inaugurates 
a new time. As the record of his time and labors, this book bears 
his name, though written somewhat after his life. 

iChap 1-12. The Conquest of Palestine is first told.^ After Moses' 
death Joshua receives anew the promise of Canaan, and encouraged 

« 1.1-9. by God's presence, is reminded of the law.' Thereupon he com- 

108 



JOSHUA. 109 

mands Israel to prepare to advance, and bids Reuben, Gad, and half- 
Mauasseh remember their promise to assist their brethren in gaining 
the land west of the Jordan.^ Spies are now sent forth to view the ^ i« i^i^. 
land, especially strong-walled Jericho. They are received and con- 
cealed by Rahab, to whom they promise protection, for she believes 
in Israel's God,* His power and promise.^ To the Jordan Joshua * ^^^- ^^- 31. 
advances, and the people are ordered to follow with the ark of God- 
While the ark rests in the Jordan, the water is miraculously kept 
back, and Israel passes over.^ To commemorate this divine help ^ 3. 
twelve stones are taken from the Jordan and erected, while in the 
river there is a like monument.' 7 4. 1 ff. 

At Gilgal the first night's encampment is made.^ Fear begins » 4. 19 ff. 
to fall on the Canaanites.^ The covenant with God is re-established ^ 5.1. 
by a solemn Passover and by circumcision to mark Israel as God's 
holy people and to roll away the shame of Egypt.^'' Manna falls for ^^ 5. 2 a. 
the last time. 

First Cities Taken. — Joshua is encouraged by the appear- 
ance of an angel, as the captain of the hosts of the Lord." The ^^ ^' ^^ ^• 
actual conquest begins. Jericho is taken and destroyed according 
to God's instruction and by His presence, and a curse is pronounced 
on any one who would seek to rebuild it.^^ The second attack is on ^^ 6. 
Ai, which opens the way to the interior, but Israel is repulsed 
because of the sin of Achan, who took what God had accursed at 
Jericho. After Achan is stoned, God's anger is turned away,^^ and ^^ '^' 
now Ai is overcome by an ambush.^* Joshua builds an altar of ^* ^' ^-29- 
praise,^^ and then from Ebal and Gerizim the blessings and curses ^^ 8. 30, 31. 
are pronounced.^^ ^« cp. Diut.' 27 

Wars with Canaanites.— The northern Canaanite kings 
combine against Israel, but the Gibeonites by fraud obtain peace 
from Israel, which admits them to an unlawful covenant because 
God was not consulted." Yet the deception of the Gibeonites when ^'^ 9. 1 ff- 
discovered leads to their continual servitude.^® The southern is 9. I6 ff. 
Canaanites, alarmed at the defection of Gibeon, seek to punish it, 
but Joshua meets and crushes their five kings, by falling on them 
suddenly at Beth-horou. God assists with a hailstorm. At early 



no BIBLE LITERATURE. 

dawn the moon sets not, nor does the sun rise, till all the enemies are 
routed, for in the words of the ancient book of Jasher (a book of 

19 10. hero-deeds of the righteous) Joshua had called on God.^' Sub- 

sequently the northern Canaanites, though separated from their 
southern kinsmen by Joshua's victories, gather with strong force, 
under Jabin, king of Hazor, but are surprised and completely van- 

20 11. quished by Joshua at the waters of Merom.^" Others are defeated 
21 12. and a list of the conquered is given.^^ The conquests were only 

partial, but they furnished Israel with the foundation for complete 
possession of the land, had it only faithfully followed up the early 
victories. 

The Division of the Land among the tribes of Israel is begun 
at Gilgal. After the tribes east of the Jordan have their land reaf- 
22 13. firmed, and Levi, detailed for God's special service, is excepted,^^ 

allotment begins. Caleb, for his fidelity, receives Hebron and its 
23 14. surroundings.^^ Judah is assigned its territory, but Othniel conquers 

24=15. Debir, and Jebus is still unconquered.^* The boundaries of the sons 

of Joseph are fixed, yet they permit the Canaanites to remain among 
25 16, 17. them and are dissatisfied with their portion.^^ At Shiloh the distribu- 
tion continues. After the erection of the tabernacle, and taking the 
record of the undivided land, Benjamin, Simeon, Zebulun, Issachar, 
26 18, 19. Iff. Asher, Naphtali and Dan receive their share. ^^ Joshua is given 
27 19. 49. Timnath-Serah as a special reward.^^ Six cities of refuge are fixed, and 

28 21. forty-eight cities are assigned to priests and Levites.^^ The eastern tribes 

return home, and build an altar to remind them of their unity with 
their brethren. Misunderstood in this, the rest of Israel prepares to 
attack them, until it is shown that what was considered a defection 

29 22. was an act of union.^^ 

Joshua's Farewell. — Joshua now delivers his farewell 
addresses. The first to the elders is a mighty exhortation to remem- 
ber God and His law. Who gave them their land. Communion with 
the Canaanites and their idolatry would bring curse. Obedience 

30 28. would secure blessing.^*^ The second address, to the people at 

Shechem, reminds them of what God had done for them, and exhorts 
them to serve the holy, jealous God. This they promise, and Joshua 



JOSHUA. Ill 

affirms the covenant.^^ In the book of the law tliis covenant is writ- ^^ 24. 1-24. 

ten. Joshua dies. Israel now buries the bones of Joseph, which 

were brought from Egypt. Eleazar, the son of Aaron, also dies.^^ ^2 24. 26 ft; 

Sumraary. — This book shows how the promise given to Abra- 
ham, that his seed shall possess the land, is being falfilled. With this 
fulfillment the blessing through Abraham's seed is finally bound up. 
But the conquest of Israel raises the moral problem of the war against 
the Canaanites. They had forfeited their land by their great sin, 
and Israel, in following out God's command, saw in it a holy judgment 
against corruption and a warning against idolatry. In establishing a 
purer life it served humanity. 

The book of Joshua moves about the three thoughts of God's 
righteousness^ holiness and grace. The righteousness of God measures 
out punishment to the Canaanites. His grace is poured out upon the 
Israelites according to His promise. Upon both His holiness is 
revealed ; upon the Canaanites by the destruction that waits on sin- 
fiilness ; upon the Israelites by their being chosen to communion 
with God, that they might live holily. God's righteousness, grace 
and holiness redound to His glory. 



PRACTICAL LESSONS. 

1. God's righteousness appears as truthfulness in His relations 

toward men. 

2. To the unholy, righteousness must bring punishment. 

3. Where there is the covenant of mercy, God shows grace. 

4. The punishment of the sinner and the forgiveness of the 

believer exalt God's holiness. 

5. Every attribute of God redounds to His glory. 



JUDGES-RUTH. 



1 1. 1-7. 



CHAPTER XXVIII. 

JUDGES. 

The Times of the Judges. — The book of Judges contains the 
history of Israel from the death of Joshua to the time of Samuel, a 
period of about 350 years. With certain standing formulas, which 
indicate the social and religious conditions, it combines very fresh and 
powerful description told in a realistic style. Israel is shown in a 
period of depression. The Canaanites are not overcome, but reassert 
their power. National unity is not yet attained. The high demands 
of the law are not kept, but idolatry, wickedness, disorder, selfishness 
reign. In this time of religious and social anarchy God raises up 
jiidges. Their work is not simply to uphold divine righteousness by 
decisions, but by action. They are executive as well as judicial offi- 
cers, deliverers as much as judges. Their power is generally restricted 
to a few tribes. 

Canaanites Not All Driven Out — The introduction of the 
book of Judges connects with Joshua. It tells of the struggle of Judah 
for its possessions, its victory over the cruel king Adoni-Bezek,^ the 
gaining of Jerusalem and Hebron, and the taking of Debir by Othniel, 
who receives as additional reward Achsah, Caleb's daughter, to be his 

8 1* 16^^' wife.^ The Kenites come to dwell among Judah.^ The other tribes 

* 1 17 if ^^^ ^^^^ drive out the Canaanites,*' but mingle with them. Therefore they 

receive the reproach of God's angel for their disobedience, and they 

8 2. 1-6. weep, but they do not really do better.^ 

The Changeableness of Israel. — The main part of the book 
shows the changeableness of Israel. Ever and again it sinned 
through union with the Canaanites, and was punished. Punishment 
brought repentance, upon which God raised up judges to work deliver- 

« 2. 6-3.7. ance from the nations that were left to test Israel's obedience.^ 
112 



JUDGES— RUTH. 113 

This inward reason for the character of Israel's history in the time of 
the judges is illustrated in six general pictures. 

Oppression and Deliverance. — The fii-st picture gives in 
mere outline the oppression by Cushan-Rishathaim, king of Mesopo- 
tamia, from whom Othniel, Caleb's younger brother, delivers the land. "^ ^ 3. 8-il. 
The second picture has more color and detail. It shows Eglon of Moab, 
who, assisted by Ammon and Amalek, oppresses Israel. The deliverer 
is Uhtid of Benjamin, the left-handed, who with his long dagger 
treacherously slays Eglon.^ A note is added about Shamgar, who ^ 3« i2-30. 
slew the Philistines with an oxgoad.^ 9 3^ 32^ 

Deborah and Barak. — The third picture is one of great power. 
Jabin, king of Hazor, and Sisera, his general, are warred against by 
Barak, who is moved thereto by Deborah. This judge and prophetess 
gives a mighty impulse to Israel's unity, and causes many of the 
northern tribes to join. But victory is gotten because Jael, the wife 
of Heber, the Kenite, in her tent slew Sisera, who trusted in her 
hospitality.^^ In a poem of strength and fine description Deborah with ^<* 4. 
Barak celebrates the victory." ^^ 5. 

Gideon. — The fourth picture has as its theme the long oppres- 
sion by Midian, and as its hero Gideon.^^ Gideon begins by destroy- ^^ 6. 10—15, 
ing the images of Baal, after an angel has instructed him and given 
proof of his heavenly mission. But a further, tAvofold sign is needed 
before God prevails and wavering Gideon proceeds to an attack.^^ ^^ e. 
When then at the well of Harod 30,000 gather, only 300 are finally 
selected, by a shrewd practical test, as the courageous ones, for by the 
few is God's work to be done. The dream of a Midianite, overheard 
by Gideon, is a further sign of encouragement. Through a strategem, 
confusion and a great rout are inflicted on the Midianites, and two of 
their princes, Oreb and Zeb, are taken and slain.^* Gideon pursues, ^* 7 
not hindered by Ephraim's jealousy, because it has no leading part. 
Two more kings, Zebah and Zalmunna, are taken, and two cities, 
Penuel and Succoth, which refused to aid Gideon, are razed. After 
this great victory, Gideon, from the many goods captured, makes an 
ephod, which he puts in Ophrah, and leads Israel into idolatry, out of 
the punishment of which he had been called to deliver it." As an ^^ 8. 



114 BIBLE LITERATURE. 

addition to this picture we are shown Abimelech, son of Gideon, who 

would make himself king, described by Jotham to be the thorn-bush 

among trees, and finally killed by a millstone, thrown by a woman 

^* from the wall of Thebez.^^ Tola of Issachar, and Jair of Gilead, 

18 lo! 6 ff. ^^^ simply enumerated as judges." Israel sins and is oppressed.^* 

Jephthah. — The fifth picture brings before us Jephthah as he 

conquers the Ammonites, after a vow to sacrifice what first met him 

^^il» on his return. To this vow his own daughter falls prey.^^ The 

Ephraimites in wounded pride and jealousy begin war against Jeph- 

30 12.1-7. thah, but detected by their "Sibboleth," are badly defeated.^" As 

21 12 8 ff further judges, Ibzan, Elon, Abdon are simply enumerated.^* 

Samson. — The last picture of the oppression by the Philistines 

22 13-16. introduces us to the physically powerfiil but morally weak Samson.^^ 

His birth is announced to Manoah and his wife by an angel, who con- 

23 13. firms his message by signs, and orders that Samson be a Nazarite.^^ 

His life is marked by marvellous deeds and strange alliances with 
Philistine wives. On the way to Timnath he rends a lion, and when 
there weds a woman, and gives a riddle at the wedding for a prize. 
Its solution is cajoled out of him by his wife and told the Philistines. 
To pay the prize Samson slays thirty men of Ashkelon and takes their 
24 14. garments.^* Thereupon his wife is denied him, and he avenges him- 

self by sending 300 foxes among the crops to burn them. His wife 
is then burnt by the Philistines. The men of Judah fearing the Philis- 
tines, deliver Samson bound, but he tears the ropes and kills 1000 

25 15. Philistines with the jawbone of an ass.^^ When apparently caught 

at Gaza, he escapes by carrying away the city gates. He is enangiored of 
Delilah, and she tries to secure the secret of his strength. Twice is she 
deceived, but at last succeeds. Samson is taken in his sleep, brought to 
Gaza and imprisoned ; but when exhibited at a festival in Dagon's temple, 

26 16. he pulls down the building, and dying kills many Philistines.^® Two 

additional pictures are given of the time of the Judges. The first ia 
that of Micah, who erects a private sanctuary, and the Danites as 

27 17, 18. they conquer Laish ; '^^ and the other is the terrible sin of Benjamin, 
and the plan devised to keep alive the tribe almost destroyed for its 

28 19-21. wrong.2^ Both incidents belong to the early period of the judges. 



JUDGES— EUTH. 115 

Summary. — The help rendered by the judges is to impress Israel 
with the truth of divine deliverance ; but the hope of the one great 
deliverer, to whom they point, slumbers at this time. 

The lessons of these wild and troublous days are : Departure 
from Jehovah causes every ill ; repentance and turning to God 
brino- deliverance. 



PRACTICAL LESSONS. 

1. Forgetfulness of God's love brings anarchy. 

2. Worldly friendship is enmity toward God. 

3. Repentance brings help. 



RUTH. 

Its Character. — The book of Ruth is placed after Judges, 
bofCause it belongs to this time. The Hebrews class it with, the third 
great division of thek Bible, " the writings." It is a charming little 
bcok, bright and sparkling in style, true to the customs of its day, 
filled with local color, and pervaded with fine feeling, showing the 
moral delicacy and religious fidelity of some families in times of 
public degradation. 

Its Contents. — A man of Bethlehem during a famine goes 
with his wife and three sons to Moab. There all die but the mother, 
Naomi. She then longs to return to Bethlehem. Her Moabite 
daughters-in-law would go with her. One is dissuaded by her, but 
the other, Ruth, in filial piety and in strong adherence to true relig- 
ion, accompanies her in her poverty.^^ At Bethlehem, Ruth, tne ^s l. 
poor widow, is permitted to glean in the fields of Boaz, the rich 
farmer, who is very mercifal.^*^ She appeals to him, by advice of ^o 2. 
Naomi, in the custom of the day, to wed her.-'^ And when the 313. 
next of kin refuses this his duty, according to law, Boaz takes her. ^^ 32 4. 
He becomes through Obed, the father of Jesse, and therefore Ruth 
is the great-grand-mother of king David. 



116 BIBLE LITERATURE. 

Summary. — With the lesson of filial love and its reward is com- 
bined the thought that the heathen have a right to the covenant of 
God, God makes the despised honorable. From this poor Moabite 
33 Matt. 1. 5. widow, there descended the great Saviour of mankind.^^ 



PRACTICAL LESSONS. 

1. Honoring parents brings temporal blessings (4th Com.). 

2. A religious life is a great power to convert others. 

3. Affection is purest where it rests on faith. 

4. God chooses the humble to confound the mighty. 

6. Christ, though son of David in the flesh, comes of humble 
ancestry. 



I SAMUEL. 



CHAPTER XXIX. 

Character of I and II Samuel. — Two books bear the name 
of Samuel, because lie stands forth as the great prophet who forms 
the transition from the judges to the kings. 

In the Greek and Latin translations these books are called I and 
II Kings, as they tell of the rise of the kingdom even in Samuel's 
work, and really form one history with our books of the Kings. Their 
style is pure, clear, simple and forcible. The contents, selected from 
fiiller sources, are often marked by short descriptions of very import- 
ant deeds, and again by detailed biographical notices of minor events 
in the lives of Saul and David. This is characteristic, for the spiritual 
import and not the natural value of Israel's history is to be given. 

The Birth of Samuel. — A family episode of the house of 
Elkanah in Eamah opens the first book of Samuel. Hannah, Elkanah's 
wife, reproached by Penninah, her rival, through prayer and upon 
promise of Eli, the high-priest, obtains a son. Him she names 
Samuel (asked of God), and dedicates him to God's service.* This * !• 
dedication is accompanied by a prayer. In it she praises divine 
mercy, which humbles the arrogant, proud and high, and exalts the 
poor, humble and lowly. The prayer ends with the joyous hope of 
God's king. His annoiiited, a prophecy of the near future, which was 
to be fally and finally realized, however, only in Christ.^ 2 2. i-io. 

Samuel and Eli. — The child Samuel, though in the temple, 
is in wicked surroundings. Eli's sons are corrupt and sensual. Their 
indulgent father does not punish them, even though warned by a 
prophet that his house shall be cut off.^ A second warning comes to * 2. 11-36. 
Eli in the first revelation given to Samuel in a dream.* The mlling ^' ^-^^' 
obedience of Samuel fits him for his prophetic work, which extended 
from Dan to Beersheba with Shiloh as the centre of revelation.^ Pun- s 3, 19 ff. 

117 



118 BIBLE LITERATURE. 

ishment now comes to Eli. At the battle of Ebenezer his sons fall, 
Israel is defeated, and the ark of God, that had been sent for, is taken 
by the Philistines. The report of this causes Eli's death, and glory- 
seems to have departed from Israel in the loss of the ark and the 
* 4. death of the priests.^ But God defends His glory. The captured ark 

brings destruction to the image of the Philistine god, Dagon, and 
severe ailment to the people at Ashkelon, and later to those of Gath 

7 5. and Ekron, when the ark is taken there. ^ Therefore, the Philistines 

return the ark to Bethshemesh, whose unholy, inquisitive people suffer, 

8 e. and send the ark to Kirjath-jearim.^ The people of this city keep 

it in sanctity. Israel now repents at Mizpeh, and conquers the Philis- 
tines. Samuel, who has inspired them to this, travels about the 

9 7. country to judge.* 

Saul Made King. — As Samuel grows old his sons gain power. 
They become corrupt and the people dema?id a king. Though it was 
in the plan of God that Israel should have a king ; yet that Israel 
demands a king without reliance upon God, in cowardly fear of the 

10 12. 12. enemies,^^ and in imitation of the heathen, was a rejection of God's 

rule. This Samuel impresses upon Israel, and foretells what power 

11 8. the king will exert over them.^^ The first king is found, when Saul 

of Benjamin inquires of Samuel about the lost asses of his father. 

12 9-10. 16. Privately Saul is annointed and soon receives the spirit of God.^'^ 

Subsequently a national assembly in Mizpeh selects Saul, who shrank 

13 10. 17-27. from the great responsibility.^^ But he proves his title by a great 

victory over Nahash, king of the Ammonites, forgives his opponents, 

14 11. and is confirmed as king in Gilgal.^* Samuel, by a strong appeal, 

stands justified before Israel, leads them to repentance by a mighty 
sign against their sinful demand of a king, counsels them to fear God, 
and obey His voice, and warns them against wickedness. Then he 

15 ;i^2. l^y* down his office.^^ 

16 13-31. Saul's Disobedience and Rejection. — Saul now reigns.^* 

Yet he scarcely begins to rule, when after the valor of his son Jonathan 

at Geba, he disobeys at Gilgal by not awaiting Samuel, but impatiently 

17 1Q^ oflfers sacrifices without the prophet.^' At Michmash Jonathan, almost 

alone, overcomes the Philistines, but is brought near death by Saul's 



I SAMUEL. 119 

hasty oath. Other wars of Saul are mentioned and his family rela- 
tions given.^8 By divine command Saul is to destroy Amalek. But ^^ !*• 
he spares their king Agag, and much spoil. For this deceptive 
disobedience God rejects him.^^ i^lS. 

The Rise of David in Saul's.reign is now made sure, as had been 
Saul's selection in Samuel's time. Samuel, by God's order, secretly 
anoints David, who is soon sent for to quiet Saul's evil spirit, by play- 
ing on the harp.20 In a battle of the Philistines against Israel at ^oie. 
Shochoh, David kills the giant Goliath, gains the friendship of 
Jonathan, and the good will of the people.^^ Saul becomes jealous ^i 17-18.9 
and angry. But he gives Michal to David as wife, as was promised 

the victor of Goliatlj, though David had first to prove his prowess by 

another deed.=^2 zsig.ioff. 

David a Fugitive from Saul. — Saul plots against David's life, 
but Jonathan temporarily averts this hated of his father. Anew victory 
of David causes new rage in Saul, who almost slays David. Now David 
escapes to Samuel and cannot be taken.^^ Jonathan, with personal ^^ ^®* 
risk, cements his friendship with David, and after an attempt to 
reconcile Saul, warns David to flee from the king's wrath.^* David ^* ^O. 
goes to Nob, takes Goliath's sword from the tabernacle, and then flees 
to Gath, where he feigns madness to escape harm from the Philis- 
tines.'^* An outlaw, David now goes to the cave of Adullam, where ^^21. 
men gather about him. For safety he brings his parents to Moab. 
Meanwhile Saul has killed the priests at Nob, whence David took 
Goliath's sword."-^* Of the Philistines David receives kindness, but the ^^ ^^* 
Ziphites betray him to Saul, and he flees to the wilderness of Maon.^' 2723. 
Saul follows. David has an opportunity to kill him in a cave at 
Engedi, but spares the Lord's anointed king. Saul moved by this act 
returns home.^^ At this time Samuel dies. David seeks support Jfrom ^^ 24. 
miserly Nabal. Kefused, he would have slain him had not Abigail, 
Nabal's wife, interfered. After Nabal's death David takes this 
wise woman as a wife.^* Saul seeks David again ; the Ziphites again ^*25. 
betray him. Saul's life is once more in David's power, but David once 
more spares him,^'' and then goes for safety to Ziklag,^^ which he had 3 J | j] 
received of the Philistine king of Gath. The Philistines go up against 



120 BIBLE LITERATURE. 

^2 28. Saul, who in his dread seeks a witch to call Samuel from the dead.''' 

David is not permitted by the Philistines to go with them into this 

33 29. war.^ Yet while he went with them a short way, the Amalekites 

3*30. despoiled Ziklag. David pursues, overcomes, and conquers them.^* 

Meantime the battle against Saul rages at Gilboa. Israel is defeated, 

'^31. Saul and his sons fall.'^ 

Summary. — The value of I Samuel is to show the support 
which prophecy is to give the kingdom when right, and its opposi- 
tion when the kingdom departs from God. The kingdom has an 
outlook toward the future reign of the Messiah. 

We see how weak indulgence and wickedness destroy priests ; 
corruption the noblest prophet's sons; self-will and disobedience a 
most valorous king ; and how cowardly unbelief and worldliness lead 
astray a nation. God, despite the sins of priests, protects His holiness 
and raises up a new power in His prophets. When prophecy seems to 
fail, God succeeds in His purposes, despite Israel's sinful demand by 
granting a king. When one king fails, a shepherd lad is raised up 
and made strong. God ever prevails and carries out His purpose of 
salvation. 



PRACTICAL LESSONS. 

1. Weak indulgence of sin brings destruction. 

2. Self-will leads to God's rejection. 

3. Worldliness corrupts God's people. 

4. God sometimes grants selfish desires as a chastisement. 

5. No sin can thwart God's purpose. 



11 SAMUEL. 



CHAPTEE XXX. 

David Reigns Over Judah. — The second book of Samuel con- 
tains the history of David's rule. It opens by describing his just severity 
against the boastful messenger of Saul's death ; and with a dirge full 
of sadness for Israel's discomfiture, of high appreciation of Saul's valor 
and of mourning affection for Jonathan.^ David goes to Hebron and * l. 
becomes king over Judah. In Hebron he rules for seven and a half 
years. Ishbosheth, Saul's son, is upheld by the mighty general Abner, 
and rules in the north. A battle ensues in which Abner is worsted, 
though young, eager Asahel, Joab's brother, is slain by Abner.^ David * 2, 
and his house grow stronger, and soon Abner, reproved for his boldness, 
breaks with Ishbosheth and comes to David. Joab then treacher- 
ously murders Abner, avenging Asahel. For this, David curses Joab 
and deeply mourns Abner's death.^ Ishbosheth is slain, and his mur- ^ 3, 
derers are punished by David.* * 4. 

David Reigns Over All Israel. — David is now annointed 
king of all Israel. Jerusalem and Mount Zion are taken, and two 
victories against the Philistines in Baal-perazim and Eephaim are 
gained. David increases in greatness and power, his house flourishes, 
his palace is built, Hiram of Tyre sending material and workmen. ^ ^5. 
The ark is brought from Kirjath-jearim to Mount Zion. In its joyous 
coming David leads in a religious dance, but is despised for so doing 
by Michal.^ For the ark David contemplates building a temple. ^6. 
Nathan, the prophet, first approves, but afterward, upon God's direct 
word, disallows. Yet God promises an eternal throne to the house of 
David, a promise fulfilled in Christ. With deep gratitude and high 
praise David accepts God's merciful promise given to his house. '^ ^ 7, 
After a mention of some of David's battles against the Philistines, 
Moabites and Syrians, a list of David's royal otficei-s is giveu,^ and his ^ 8. 

121 



122 BIBLE LITERATURE. 

» 9. kind care of Mephibosheth, Jonatlian's son, recounted.' David^s 

kingdom is now at its height. 

David's Sin. — The period of humiliation sets in. The Ammon- 
itic-Syrian war begins. Hanun, the Ammonite king, outrages 
David's messengers of condolence. The Syrians join in league with 
Ammon. They are conquered by Joab at Medeba and by David at 

10 10. Helam.^° On his victorious return to Jerusalem, David in his idle 

glory is enamored of Bathsheba, the wife of Uriah, a faithful and 
devoted soldier. Failing to cover up his transgression by recalling 
Uriah from the war, David afterwards has Uriah put into a danger- 
ous place at the siege of Eabbah. Uriah falls on the field of battle, 

iill* and then David openly takes Bathsheba to wife.^^ But now Nathan, 

the prophet, causes David to condemn himself, by the skillful telling 
of a parable. "With direct words he then accuses David, who con- 
fesses his great guilt and truly repents. Bathsheba's first son dies. 
Her second son, Solomon, is born, and now Eabbah, the rock city, is 

^^12. taken.^^ Though David repented, his sin bore fruit among his chil- 

dren. Ammon abuses Tamar, his half-sister, and is killed by Absa- 

^^ ^^' lom, who then flees. ^^ A wise woman of Tekoah, engaged by Joab, 

brings about the assuagement of David's wrath against Absalom and 

1* 14. liis return is granted.^* 

Absalom's Rebellion. — Absalom secretly wins the heart of 
the people by his flattery. And slowly he plans until finally a rebel- 
lion is raised, in which Ahitophel, one of David's counsellors, joins„ 
Upon learning of the approaching rebels David, weeping, flees from 
Jerusalem over Mount Olivet. The priests, Zadok and Abiathar 
who accompanied him with the ark, are sent back. Hushai, another 
great counsellor, also returns that he may hinder and defeat Ahi- 

15 15, tophel's plans.^^ Traitors arise, among them Ziba, servant of 

Mephibosheth, who, by false representation, gains Mephibosheth 's 
home. Shimei, of the house of Saul, curses and throws stones at 
David as he flees at Bahurim. Meantime Absalom has entered Jeru- 
salem and on advice of Ahitophel commits a most shameful out- 

16 16. rage.^® Ahitophel then counsels immediate pursuit of David, but 

Hushai advises delay. God confuses Absalom and the latter accepts 



II SAMUEL. 123 

Hushai's advice. David, secretly advised, has time to prepare," so that ^'^ 1 '''• 
when Amasa leads on the host of Absalom he is defeated. Absalom as 
he flees is caught in a tree by his long, efleminate locks. When he is 
found thus, Joab ruthlessly kills him.^^ Thereupon David mourns, ^* l^* 
but on Joab's advice restrains his mourning, returns, and pardons his 
enemies. The tribe of Judah is dissatisfied, because it has not been 
especially called to escort David back to Jerusalem.^^ Sheba then ^^ i^* 
raises a force among Judah against David. Of this Amasa is cap- 
tain. Him Joab succeeds in killing by treachery. Sheba is pursued 
to Abel, where, to save the city, a woman has Sheba's head cut off 
and cast over the city wall. A short list of David's officers follows.^^ ^^ 20. 

A series of additions includes the story of a three years' famine 
caused by Saul's slaying of the Gibeonites. The famine is appeased 
by the hanging of seven sons of Saul in Gibeah. Some of these are 
children of Eizpah, and she watched and protected the dead bodies. 
Moved by this David had them buried together with the bones of 
Saul and Jonathan, which till then were unburied.^^ Some of David's 21 21. 1-14. 
deeds against the Philistines are told, in which by his valor he almost 
lost his life.^^ A mighty psalm of praise by David is also added, in 2221. 15 ff. 
which the Lord is praised as the Rock, the deliverer from all enemies, 
the tower of salvation. Who showeth mercy to His king.^^ David 2322. 
gives final directions what is to be the policy after his death.^* The 2* 23. 1-7. 
great heroes of David's time are mentioned with their valorous deeds, 
but Joab for his cruel treachery is omitted."^^ Finally there is not 25 23.8ff. 
overlooked another sin of David, his numbering of Israel by Satan's 
temptation. For this there comes a great pestilence.^® 26 24. 

Summary. — The second book of Samuel returns to the begin- 
ning of both books. What is incomplete and promised is being 
carried out. The priesthood going under in Eli's house, arises in new, 
vigorous lines, and a temple is planned. The prophets, whose schools 
Samuel founds, apparently crowded back by the kingdom, prove 
necessary to warn and direct kings, that their sin may not destroy 
Israel. The kingdom, foreseen by Hannah, arises. Jehovah in 
these books is therefore first called the Lord of Hosts, for He fights 
for His kingdom and is still King, The human kings fail. The best 



124 BIBLE LITERATURE. 

representative, David, falls into grievous sin. Hence the falfillment 
of the kingdom, the eternal throne of David^ can only come in David's 
greatest son, the Lord of Lords. 

The life of David unfolds the mighty power and unswerving 
grace of God bestowed upon the king of strong faith and of gentle, 
forgiving love. A child of his age in cruelty of war, in sensual indul- 
gence, he rises by sincere repentance to a better life, and cherishes 
the high hope of the future King of Righteousness. 



PRACTICAL LESSONS. 

1. God's grace makes strong the weak. 

2. The child of God has reverence for God's anointed servant. 

3. Forgiveness marks a true believer. 

4. God's own ought not be slaves of their age. 

5. Sincere contrition humbles itself to attain forgiveness. 

6. The only Ever-Righteous Man is Christ, the King of Right- 
eousness. 



I KINGS. 



CHAPTER XXXI. 

The Books of Kings continue the story of tlie books of 
Samuel. Their main content is the history of the Kings of Israel. At 
times larger space is given to the kings of the ten tribes, because more 
occurred there than in Judah. But the story always passes from the 
northern tribes, as the more remote, to Judah as the kingdom nearer 
the divine plan. The prophets figure largely, because they form the 
spiritual support of the kingdoms. The style and language is the same 
throughout both books. That their separation is not real, is shown by 
their own plan. The chronology is carefully marked. The conduct 
of the kings is judged by the standard of the Mosaic law in a 
stereotyped expression. Set formulas are also used to describe the 
beginning of each reign, the manner in which it was conducted, the 
character of each king, the close of the rule and the death of the 
king. Despite these formal elements there is a charming simplicity 
of description. Many sources have been drawn on, e. g., annals of 
the deeds of Solomon,^ annals of the daily deeds of the kings of ^i Kings ii. 
Judah ' and a similar book for Israel.^ All these annals seem to have ^iJ^Vi^$ ^^• 
been compiled from the official chronicles. 3 ^ ^j^^l ^4^'^' 

Solomon's Reign opens this period.* The kingdom is estab- le.'s^^^^' 

lished in David's old age, in which Abishag is his attendant. It?.^^°^^'^^ 

4 1 I -| 
Adonijah's attempt to gain the throne is thwarted, and Solomon is 

anointed king through Nathan's planning. Adonijah is forgiven.^ ^ i. 

David gives his last directions and dies. For misdeeds Abiathar is 

banished ; and Adonijah, Joab and Shimei are put to death.^ Solo- ^ 2. 

mon is now at his height. Married to Pharaoh's daughter, he 

obtains by his choice, as a divine gift, true wisdom, which soon 

exhibits itself in his judgments. '^ Mighty princes gather about him, ^3, 

and peace prevails in the kingdom. Large, splendid, and luxurious 

125 



126 BIBLE LITERATURE. 

8 4. is Solomon's establishment.^ Upon the congratulations of Hiram, 

King of Tyre, Solomon unfolds his plan to build a temple and asks 

for timber from Hiram. Many workmen are also employed by 

® 5* Solomon.^ The great temple vdth all its appointments is built in 

^° ^' eleven years.^** Solomon also erects palaces for himself and the queen, 

a porch of pillars, and a hall of judgment. A great workman, named 

11 7. like the Syrian king, is the chief director.^^ The temple is dedicated 

by Solomon with numerous sacrifices. He -prdjs for God's presence 

in the temple, as a place of prayer, strength, comfort and help to 

12 8. Israel, and concludes with a benediction upon all Israel.^^ God then 

renews His promise of mercy to David's house, if Solomon will obey 

13 9. 1-9. and keep God's ways.^' Solomon's wealth is told of; the cities he 

14 9. 10 ff. erected, the slaves he possessed, the trade he carried on.^* Attracted 

by his glory the queen of Sheba comes. Then are described all the 

15 lo. golden vessels, the ivory throne, the chariots of Solomon.^^ But now 

the decay begins, for Solomon takes many heathen wives and is led 
into idolatry. Enemies arise : Hadad who goes to Egypt ; Rezon in 
Syria ; in Israel Jeroboam, to whom the prophet Ahijah promises a 

18 11. part of the kingdom.^® 

The Divided Kingdoms. — Now approaches the division of 
the kingdom and the period of enmity between the kings of Judah 
17 12—16. 28. and Israel.^'^ Eehoboam, Solomon's son, rejecting the advice of the 
old counsellors, listens to the young men, and refuses to lighten the 
burden of the people. The tribes then separate at Schechem. Eeho- 
boam must flee. Jeroboam becomes king of the ten northern tribes. 
He fortifies Schechem, introduces calf-worship in Dan and Bethel, and 
changes the feasts of tabernacles to the 15th day of the 8th month 

18 12. to prevent Israel from going to Jerusalem.^^ Jeroboam leads his new 
cult, but its destruction is announced by a man of God who dies for 

19 13. his disobedience.^^ Jeroboam's son, Abijah, is taken sick and dies, as 

Ahijah, the prophet had announced to Jeroboam's wife, whom, though 
disguised, he recognized. To her the prophet also tells the judgment 

20 14. 1-20. upon Jeroboam's house. Nadab succeeds Jeroboam.^" 

In Judah Rehoboam is also idolatrous, and Shishak of Egypt 
despoils Jerusalem. Abijam, Rehoboam's son, surpasses his father in 



I KINGS. 127 

idolatry.'^^ Asa, tlie next king, returns to the truth, but later makes 21 i4o21— 

1S> 8. 

a covenant with Ben-Hadad of Syria against Baasha of Israel, who was 
fortifying Eama.^^ In Israel five kings quickly succeeded each other, ^^ 15. 9-24, 
beginning with Nadab. Baasha, whose house is threatened with a 
shameful end by the prophet Jehu ; Elah, the son, upon whom the 
prophecy is executed by Zimri, captain of the chariots ; Omri, captain 
of the host, who displaces Zimri after seven days. Tibni opposes 
Omri, but Omri prevails, and makes Samaria his capital. He 
becomes a mighty king.'^' ^^ J|* ^^ 

A Dangerous Friendship arises between the two kingdoms. 
It is dangerous to Judah because Ahab reigns in the northern king- 
dom, who through the influence of Jezebel, his wife, introduces Baal- 
worship.^* To combat Baalism, Elijah, the prophet, is raised up. 2*16.29-34. 
Suddenly he appears and announces to Ahab a three years' famine. 
During this famine Elijah is kept at the brook Cherith and fed by 
the widow at Zarephath.^^ Then as the three years end, there 2517, 
comes the mighty conflict on Mt. Carmel, where Elijah receives God's 
approval by fire. God is confessed, the Baal-priests are slain. God 
sends rain in answer to Elijah's prayer.^^ But as Jezebel persecutes ^s 18. 
Elijah anew and the impress of the great deed at Carmel seems not 
to uproot Baalism, Elijah flees in discouragement to Horeb. There 
God reveals Himself as He that would finally help not by earthquake, 
fire, or storm, but by gentle regeneration. Elisha is named as Elijah's 
successor: for Elijah has laid down his work." Ahab for a time 2719, 
listens to God's message and obtains victory over Ben-Hadad of 
Syria.^^ But he falls through his desire for Naboth's vineyard, 2820. 
when he succumbs to Jezebel's cruel determination. Naboth is un- 
justly killed. Ahab is justly denounced ; but upon repentance the 
judgment is postponed by God.^' Ahab enters into league with 2921. 
Jehoshaphat against Syria, falls and is conquered at the battle of 
Eamoth-Gilead, as foretold by Micaiah against the false prophets.^** 30 22. 

Summary. — This first book of the Kings shows the truth of the 
promise to David. God keeps His word, though disobedience and sin 
rend the kingdom. In this divine fidelity is revealed the guarantee of the 
future fulfillment of the coming of the Messiah, David's greatest Son. 



128 BIBLE LITERATURE. 

The wisest king sins by worldliness and idolatry. These sins 
grow and corrupt both kingdoms. The northern kingdom, separated 
from the sanctuary and led mostly by idolatrous kings full of wicked- 
ness, degenerates more quickly than Judah despite great resources and 
power. Its moral corruption through idolatry is temporarily checked 
by the mighty exhibition of divine power through the pre-eminent 
prophet of the law's judgment and of divine retribution. But no saving 
change is effected thereby. The future help must come in the power 
of love, by which God does not break but regenerates through His still 
small voice. 



PRACTICAL LESSONS. 

1. The wisest sins without God. 

2. Departure from worship in spirit and truth brings sin. 

3. Idolatry is the source of much wickedness. 

4. Evil rulers corrupt a nation. 

5. God is never without a witness. 

6. True regeneration comes not by law's power, but by love's 

redemption. 



II KINGS. 



CHAPTEE XXXII. 

A Baleful Friendship. — The second book of Kings continues 
the story of the baleful friendship of the two kingdoms. The story 
begins with Ahaziah, son of Ahab. He sends to Baal-Zebub at Ekron, 
and is told of his death by Elijah, who cannot be taken. Fire destroys 
those who would capture him with arms.^ But his task is ended, a * 1. 
whirlwind with fiery chariot takes him to heaven, and Elisha receives 
of his spirit. Elisha shows his power by his wonderful return over 
the Jordan and by his healing of unwholesome water. The sternness 
of Elijah briefly flashes forth as the mockers are cursed to receive 
quick death.^ In a contest, in which Jehoram of Israel, Jehoshaphat ^ 2, 
of Judah and the king of Edom go against Moab, they are shown 
water by Elisha and promised victory.' Miraculously he helps a 3 3, 
prophet's widow, brings to life the son of a Shunammite woman, heals 
deadly pottage, and feeds one hundred prophets' scholars.^ To Naaman * 4. 
of Syria he shows the way to health, but punishes his own lying and 
grasping servant Gehazi, by the leprosy of which Naaman is healed.^ 5 5, 
To a poor prophet a borrowed axe is wonderfully restored.* In a war ^ 6. i-T 
with Syria, the Syrians, who are to capture Elisha, are smitten with 
blindness, and he leads them into Samaria. But though dismissed in 
peace, they return and a great famine comes to Samaria. Elisha Is to 
be killed.'^ But he promises deliverance. Lepers find the Syrian 7 e. 8 ff. 
camp empty, and a lord, who had doubted Elisha, is trampled to death 
in the gate as Elisha threatened.^ The Shunammite he helps to her s 7. 
property. To Hazael, in Damascus, he promises the Syrian kingdom. 
In Judah, wicked Jehoram reigns, and Edom revolts. Ahaziah, whose 
mother Athaliah is sister to Ahab, succeeds his father, is equally 
wicked, and friendly to Joram, of Israel, his uncle.* Jehu, annointed ^ 8, 
upon Elisha's word, kills Joram, Ahaziah and Jezebel.^" 10 9. 

9 129 



130 BIBLE LITERATURE. 

The Kingdoms in Conflict. — The two kingdoms come into 
conflict until Israel is destroyed. Jehu continues his murderous work 
against the house of Ahab, is strong against Baal-worship, but 
^^ !<>• becomes idolatrous, and is succeeded by Jehoahaz.^^ In Judah Atha- 

liah kills all the royal seed except Jehoash, who is rescued by his 
aunt, is raised to the throne in his seventh year by Jehoiada, the 

12 11. priest. Athaliah is killed.^^ Jehoash reigns well as long as Jehoiada 

lives. But the idolatrous high places are not removed, though the 
temple is repaired. Syria is paid out of the temple's treasure to avert 
a siege in Jerusalem. Jehoash, killed by his servants, is succeeded by 

13 12. Amaziah.^^ In Israel Jehoahaz wickedly rules; but turning to God 

in prayer, is delivered from the oppression of Hazael. Over 
Hazael's successor, Ben-Hadad, Jehoash gains three victories, as fore- 
told by Elisha at his death. Even Elisha's grave brings life to men, so 

1* 13. great is his power.^* Amaziah of Judah, a good man, conquers the 

Edomites in the Valley of Salt. After the victory he contends against 

15 14. Jehoash, is worsted, and Jerusalem is plundered.^^ Azariah, also 

called Uzziah, a great king, is smitten with leprosy. In Israel kings 
are quickly raised and slain. Zachariah is killed and succeeded by 
Shallum, who reigns but a month. Menahem kills him, and gives 
tribute to Egypt. Pekahiah follow^s. Pekah, who slays him, appeals 
to the Assyrian king, Tiglath-Pileser. Hoshea slays Pekah. Mean- 

16 15. time Jotham reigns well in Judah, but is followed by Ahaz.^® In his 

wicked rule he is assailed by Pekah and Eezin, of Syria, against 
whom he stirs up the Assyrians. The altar is made after a heathen 

17 16. pattern, and the temple robbed; but king Hezekiah follows.^'' Hoshea 

in Israel, forgetting Assyria, calls upon So of Egypt. Then Samaria is 
besieged and taken by Shalmaneser. Thus falls the northern king- 

18 17, dom by its shameful wickedness and idolatry. ^^ 

The Kingdom of Judah's Last Days. — Judah continues 
for two centuries more. Hezekiah, one of its best rulers, destroys 
much of idol worship. Sennacherib of Assyria, who comes against 
Judah, is for a time assuaged by a tribute, but later sends his mes- 
19 18. senger to blaspheme God and asks the people to revolt." Hezekiah 

praying to God is strengthened by Isaiah. Sennacherib sends a 



II KINGS. 131 

boastful letter, but Isaiah tells the king that Assyria shall be humbled. 

And when Sennacherib besieges Jerusalem he is driven away by a 

pestilence. Afterward his sons slay him in the temple of Nisroch.^" ^^ 19. 

Hezekiah in severe sickness receives longer life in answer to prayer, 

but when later in pride he shows his treasures to the messenger of the 

Babylonian king, Isaiah announces the Babylonian captivity to come. 

Manasseh succeeds.^^ He is wicked, and the prophets testify against ^^ 20, 

him. Amon, his son, who is still worse, is slain after a short reign, and 

is followed by Josiah.^^ He was the noblest king of Judah. In the 2221. 

eighteenth year of his reign, Hilkiah finds the book of the law in the 

temple. The king deeply moved by its threats, mourns. Huldah, 

the prophetess, announces life to him, but final destruction to the 

people, who do not hear.^^ The covenant is renewed, the passover is ^^ 22. 

kept, all idolatry is completely eradicated. The idol-altars are defiled 

by dead men's bones. But in a battle against Nechoh of Egypt Josiah 

falls in Megiddo, deeply lamented.^* Jehoahaz is taken away by 2423. i-30. 

Pharoah, who raises wicked Jehoiakim to the throne.^^ The latter is ^^ 23. 31 ff. 

subdued by the king of Babylon, but rebels and is removed. Jehoia- 

chin succeeds. The Egyptian king is conquered by Nebuchadnezzar, 

who also takes Jerusalem and deports ungodly Jehoiachin and many 

nobles to Babylon. Zedekiah is made king, but soon rebels.^® Jeru- 26 24^ 

salem is now again besieged, taken, and the remnant of its inhabitants 

taken to Babylon. Gedaliah is made ruler over a few that remain, 

but he is slain and his slayers flee to Egypt. Zedekiah's sons are 

slain and his eyes put out in Babylon. Jehoiachin lives, and is 

advanced to favor by the later king Evil-Merodach.^^ 27 25. 

Summary. — The breaking down of both kingdoms does away 
with the hope of an earthly kingdom. Israel falls by accommodation 
to heathen religion and wickedness. The necessity of a spiritual 
kingdom, which is not of this world, is indicated. 

The prophetic power of Elijah is supplemented by the milder, 
helpful, saving work of Elisha, whose life at the beginning of the book, 
that tells of the end of both kingdoms, is the gleam of hope in dark- 
ness. The history of Israel and Judah shows the idolatrous corruption 
of the people, which is retarded in Judah for a time by kings who seek 



132 BIBLE LITERATURE. 

to reform. Their work is generally destroyed by tlieir successors. 
Israel as a whole does not enter into true reform. It grows in every 
vice. As it becomes a carcass the eagles gather. 



PRACTICAL LESSONS. 

1. God gives power to His servants to save men. 

2. Sin destroys a nation. 

3. Even good rulers cannot save a corrupt people. 

4. Where God is forsaken every vice flourishes. 

5. Destruction of the wicked is a necessity of judgment and a 

saving of mankind. 

6. God's kingdom is not of this world. 



I AND II CHRONICLES. 



CHAPTER XXXIII. 

Characteristics. — These two books, which form one work and 
were not divided until the Greek translators of the Old Testament 
arranged them in two parts, do not present a general history like the 
books of Kings. They simply furnish a sketch of the kingdom of 
David, Solomon and the kings of Judah until the destruction of the 
kingdom. Because of this selective character the Jews placed these 
books in the third class of their writings, the Hagiographa.* Earnest 
in style, and sustained in dignity, they do not rise to vivid pictures 
like the books of Kings. Nevertheless they do not become monot- 
onous despite the mass of genealogical and chronological detail. 
The linguistic forms are late, for the books were written after the 
return from the exile. Many sources are mentioned ; annalistic 

histories of the kingdoms of Judah and Israel : ^ general words of ^ i Chr. 9. i. 

° ' *= 2 Chr. 16. 11; 

prophets,^ special collections of sayings of Samuel,^ Gad, Nathan, 25.26; 27.7; 

33. 18. 

Ahijah, Shemaiah, Iddo, Jehu,^ and of Isaiah.* Though acts ^ ? S^''- ^' oq- 

of David and his chronicles are mentioned,' yet there is no con vine- *2Ch^'9^l^' 

ing proof that the books of Samuel or Kings have been directly used g 2^chr '20^3? 

in writing Chronicles. Often in very similar passages there are addi- ^^^s2^^ ^^' 

tions which point to independent sources. ^ ^S!^29.^'^ ' 

Genealogical Tables. — Truly oriental, the books open with 
genealogies. ® They begin with Adam, and first pass through s 1-9. 
Abraham and Isaac to his sons, Edom and Israel. Edom's descend- 
ants are then told of, so that the unimportant line is finished.^ The ® !• 
descent of the main line passes to the sons of Israel and the families 
of Judah. David's sons and descendants are then mentioned.^** In 10 2-4. 2a. 
an appendix Simeon, his family, and the trans-Jordanic tribes are 



*Holy Writings. 

133 



134 BIBLE LITERATURE. 

12 6*^^"^*^^ treated.^^ The priests, Levites and their cities are recounted.^^ The 

rest of the tribes are outlined genealogically with the omission of 
Dan and Zebulun. With a more careful account of Benjamin Saul is 

13 7, 8. approached.^^ The former inhabitants of Jerusalem are brought in, 
^* 9* but then the lists again return to the house of Saul.^* This long 

genealogical approach to the main story is part of the ideal position 

taken by the writer. He desires to show Israel's connection with 

all mankind, its selection by God, His preservation of it, and His 

guidance into the land of promise, to prepare for the Kingdom. 

Such lessons were needed after the return from the exile. They 

would strengthen Israel to remember their beginning, and the provi* 

dential help of the past would make them hopeful for the future. 

The Life and Work of David.— Its first and largest inspira- 

15 ch. 10-29. tion Israel was to draw from the life and work of David." Saul and 

i« 10. his house soon passed away because of Saul's sin.^^ David becomes 

17 11.1-9. king of all Israel." His regal power is first shown. Mighty heroes, 

^^ i^* 4o~ leaders, and strong forces gather about him.^^ But he uses this influ- 

19 13. ence for spiritual ends. The ark once left in Kirjath- Jearim ^* is to 

be taken to Jerusalem. This could now be done; for fortunate as 

David was in his home and family, so also he was favored in friend- 

20 14. ship with the king of Tyre, and had twice conquered the Philistines.^" 

21 15. With all solemnity and joy the Levites, led by David, bring the ark.^^ 

Many sacrifices are offered, and hymns of thanksgiving are sung, in 

which David leads in a psalm of which traces occur in Ps. 96, 105, 106. 

22 16. Many priests and musicians are appointed for the service. ^^^ But David 

23 1 7. desires to build a permanent temple.^^ Now wars arise with Philistia, 

24 18-20. Moab, and Ammon.2* The war-king ought not build the temple of 

peace. Satan misleads him to number the people. A pestilence 
arises as punishment. Yet by repentance David is divinely led to 

25 21. select the place for the temple.^^ He enters upon the preparation of 

those matters which mark his spiritual rule. The temple is to be 

26 22. built and Solomon is instructed as to it.-^ Solomon is now made king, 

and the priests, with their twenty-four divisions and their families ; 
the Levites, the singers, and the porters for the temple are enumer- 

27 23-26 

28 27. * ated.^^ Then once more civil and military officers are recounted.'^ 



I AND II CHRONICLES. 135 

David in solemn assembly gives to Solomon the material for the tem- 
ple which he has gathered, speaks of God's favor to him and his 
house, encourages the princes to bring their offerings for the temple, 
and with thanksgiving proceeds to bless the people. Solomon is now 
fully king, and soon David dies.^' 29 28, 29. 

The Reign of Solomon.— The second book opens with Solo- 
mon's reign.^^ He is first shown sacrificing at Gilboa, and obtaining ^o ch. 1-9. 
wisdom from God in answer to prayer. For this choice there are added 
also great power and wealth.^^ His main work is the building of the ^^ i. 
temple. ^^ From Hiram of Tyre Solomon obtains further material ^^ 2-7. 
and workmen ^^ to build the temple with all its ornaments, the ^^ 2. 
cherubim, veil and pillars,^* the altar of brass, molten sea, lavers, ^^ 3. 
candlesticks, tables, ^^ the other treasures and the ark, upon all of ^^ 4. 
which God causes His glory to fall.^® With a prayer Solomon dedi- ^® ^* 
cates the temple,^'^ and God answers by fire to the many sacrifices of ^'^ ^' 
Solomon, who adds the Great Dedication to the festival of Taber- 
nacles.^^ Solomon's magnificent palaces, the power, wealth, and ^* '*• 
glory of his reign, which attracts the Queen of Sheba, are described.^^ ^^ ®» ^* 
After this glory there follows, from the point of view of fidelity to 
God and His worship, the history of Judah to the exile.*" There *''<'^- 10-36. 
are mentioned Eehoboam,*^ Abijah,*^ Asa,*^ Jehoshaphat,** Jeho- JJ 13! ^^' 
ram,*^ Ahaziah, Athaliah,*^ Joash,*^ Amaziah,*^ Uzziah,*^ Jotham, '^^ H if I20! 
Ahaz,^^ Hezekiah,^^ Manasseh, Amon,^^ Josiah.^* Then follow the last 46 22*, 23. 
kings, Israel's banishment, and the permission of Cyrus to return. ^^ 48 25! 

49 2fi 

The Purpose of these books of Chronicles is wholly didactic. 5027! 

The religious side and the ideal side only of the history are 53 29-32. 

53 33. 
exhibited. Nothing is related of David's seven years' reign in 5*34,35. 

55 36. 

Hebron, of his relation to the house of Saul, of his dark family history, 
his adultery, the sin of Ammon, the revolt of Absalom. Similarly in 
Solomon's reign his idolatry and polygamy are not recounted. Thus 
the lives of all the good kings are regarded from their noblest point 
of view. Figures are large. But in this picture there is no untruth. 
Other books give the other aspect. It was the aim of the writer to 
exhibit the ideal in the sad times of the return from exile. Therefore 
the centre of the history is Judah, and the centre of Judah is Jeru- 



136 BIBLE LITERATURE. 

salem. The priestly and ecclesiastical are emphasized in the whol^ 
history. All that pertains to the temple and worship is prominent. 
In this form was to be taught the lesson of fidelity to God. The people 
that returned could not found a commonwealth, and embody the old 
ideals in it. Therefore these ideals were shown in the worship, which 
was not hindered and was within the free activity of the restorers 
of Israel. But in teaching that idolatry and defection from the 
central worship at Jerusalem were the great sin, a true lesson 
was inculcated, which touched the source of the evil, and reached 
the core of the sin of Israel. In showing God's blessing upon those 
who observed His law and held to His worship. He is portrayed 
as present in history just as He is present in worship. Therefore 
Israel as it returned was to reconnect with the worship that taught 
God's dwelling among men. And this truth though clad in many 
forms was prophetic. It was to lead to the indwelling of God in the 
hearts of the people and to that presence which found truest embodi- 
ment in Christ. 

Summary. — God's plan in the history of salvation is ideal. 
As men live up to it, they are good. The abandonment of God's 
ancient worship was to deny Him and His presence. The truth of 
His presence was constantly needed to prepare men for the coming 
of the Messiah. 



PRACTICAL LESSONS. 

1 . To speak well of men when possible is a Christian duty. 

2. God's work in history is the ideal one. 

3. The abandonment of God's law and worship is the cause of 

failure. 

4. Fidelity to God alone preserves. 

5. God dwells among His people. 

6. His greatest presence is in His own Son. 



EZRA. 



CHAPTER XXXIV. 

Style and Authorship. — Ezra and Neliemiah were originally 
one book of which the present book of Ezra was the first part. The 
language used in Ezra is similar to that of Nehemiah, as it is also to 
Chronicles, though it contains words and expressions peculiarly its 
own. It is exact in dates and careful in genealogies. The influence 
of the painstaking, minute scribe is evident. A part of Ezra was 
written in Aramaic,* particularly that which contains the official docu- 
ments of the Persian kings. There is no cogent reason to deny that 
Ezra, the priest and scribe, wrote this book. In the parts admittedly 
written by him, the style — formal, exact, minute — agrees with the 
other portions of the book. There is at times a transition from the 
first to the third person, that seems strange to a Western reader. But 
this usage is characteristic of oriental style, and is found in other 
writings of the Old Testament. The statements of Ezra, fragmentary 
as they are, prove to be of great historical value for the period of 
Israel's restoration to its own land. 

Its Two Parts. — A space of almost eighty years is covered by 
Ezra. His account begins with the edict of Cyrus 536 B. c, and it 
extends to the seventeenth year of Artaxerxes, 458 B. c. Two main 
parts are comprised in Ezra : the history of events which occurred 
before Ezra's residence at Jerusalem,^ for which Ezra drew upon i ch. 1-6. 
other accounts, reports, etc. ; and the later developments under Ezra's 
personal presence.^ 2 ch. 7-10. 

The Return to Palestine. — An edict of Cyrus, king of Per- 
sia, permits the Jews once deported to Babylon into captivity, to 
return to their native land and to Jerusalem. There they are to 
rebuild their temple : for Cyrus holds, that God charged him to build 

* A Semitic dialect spoken by the Jews in later times, 

137 



4 1. 5-11. 



s 2. 



138 BIBLE LITERATURE. 

Him a house at Jerusalem. Those who do not carry out this edict 
8 1. 1-4. are to assist with free-will offerings of silver and gold.^ The heads 

and fathers of Judah and Benjamin, together with priests and 
Levites, and many others, moved by the Spirit of God, prepare to 
return to Jerusalem. The vessels of the temple, which Nebuchad- 
nezzar had carried away, are numbered and given by Cyrus to Israel's 
main prince, Sheshbazzar (Zerubbabel).* A minute list and the number 
of all the priests, Levites, servants and others are reported according 
to their families and with their possessions. The whole number of 
those returning is 42,360.^ When Jerusalem is reached, the altar of 
burnt-offering is erected by Joshua, the priest, and the first sacrifices 
are brought. The first festival celebrated is that of Tabernacles. 
Then are the foundations of the temple begun amid joyous hope and 
glad song for God's goodness, but also with the tears and mourning 
of those who remembered the first temple. The shouts of joy and 

6 3, the noise of weeping could not be distinguished.* 

Rebuilding". — The Samaritans who desired to join in the work 
were not accepted because of their impure faith. Then they attempt 

7 4. 1-6. to hinder the Jews,"^ and send messengers to Cyrus ; later they write 

to Ahasuerus, and afterward to Artaxerxes a letter in Aramaic. He 

8 4. 7-24. stops the work of building.^ But the account continues in Aramaic 

and tells how through the prophecies of Haggai and Zechariah, 
Zerubbabel and Joshua again begin. Tatnai, the Persian governor, 
is not satisfied, and writes to inquire of Darius whether the Jews had 

9 5, received permission from Cyrus as they claimed.^ Upon search 

Darius confirms the decree of Cyrus, and orders aid to be given the 

10 6. 1-12. Jews.^'^ The Jews, therefore, complete the temple and hold a joyous 

11 e. 13-22. passover.^^ 

Ezra at Jerusalem. — For fifty-six years nothing is recorded. 
Then Ezra goes up with another band of Jews to establish the wor- 

12 7. 1-10. ship ^^ allowed by a decree of Artaxerxes reported in Aramaic.^^ For 

13 7. 11-26. . . . ^^ . 

1* 7.27,28. this Ezra praises God.^* His companions are mentioned. He appoints 

ministers for the temple, orders a fast, delivers up further vessels 

15 8. which had been given him with his royal commission. ^^ Earnestly 

Ezra begins reform. Those who have taken heathen wives are sepa- 



EZRA. 139 

rated from the congregation.^^ Those who obeyed and dismissed their is 9. i_ 
heathen wives are then enumerated." ^^ 10. I8-44. 

Not a Complete History.— It is evident that no complete 
history of the resettlement of Judah is contemplated. Many occur- 
rences which must have taken place at the first return and until 
Ezra's coming are not told. Apparently no annals were kept. The 
exiles who came first are merely mentioned, and at once the account 
passes to the gifts for the temple. The largest space is used to tell of 
the erection of the altar, the beginning of the work on the temple, the 
great hindrances of this work and their removal, the completion and 
joyous dedication of the temple. Everything, as in Chronicles, turns 
finally about the worship and the temple. Similarly Ezra in the 
description of his own experiences gives a detailed account of all the 
preparation of his coming, of the priests and Levites who accompanied 
him, of the treasures brought for the temple. All this is seen under 
the light of royal favor, divinely granted. But of Ezra's work at 
Jerusalem, only a very full description of the purification of the Jews 
from heathen alliances is famished. Certainly Ezra did much more. 
He had power to appoint magistrates. With Nehemiah also he 
co-worked for a long time. Nehemiah had arrived at Jerusalem 
thirteen years later than Ezra. 

The Purpose of Ezra. — It is clear that the purpose of Ezra, 
the scribe, was to describe mainly the restoration of the temple and 
its worship, and the preparation of Israel to be a holy people for 
worship by removing heathenism. The whole aim of Israel's return 
is put in this light. And to show it thus was fiindamental. The 
restoration of the temple ; of its worship and the separation from the 
heathen were first necessary. Only if Israel became holy and observed 
God's law could it again be a blessing to all nations. 

Summary. — God moved the heart of the great kings of the 
world to permit Israel's return. The world's history and its rulers 
must serve God's kingdom. The enemies, who would hinder the 
feeble Israelites, are overcome and must advance the cause which 
they would thwart. God carries out His work through great leaders, 
priests, prophets, scribes. His temple is again to be built. And to 



140 BIBLE LITERATURE. 

the temple is to come the Lord and Deliverer. The restoration of 
Israel is the preparation for the Redeemer and the Redemption of the 
world. 



PRACTICAL LESSONS. 

1. The kingdoms of the world must serve God's kingdom- 

2. The Lord contends for His own. 

3. God's enemies must help Him. 

4. Outward blessings are valuable only in the light of inward 

redemption. 



NEHEMIAH-ESTHER. 



CHAPTEE XXXV. 

NEHEMIAH. 

The Characteristics. — The book of Nehemiah bears the exact 
title " The Deeds of Nehemiah." It is written in a style of its own, 
and contains many words and phrases not in Ezra. The narrative is 
not connected throughout, but often in the midst of a personal 
account historical, topographical and genealogical matters are intro- 
duced. Short prayers are also often interspersed. In part of the 
book the personality of Ezra is given large place. No personal pro- 
noun points to Nehemiah. Nevertheless it is probable that Nehemiah 
wrote the whole book. He used documents and compiled a book, 
which was not to be his diary or biography, but a gathering of cer- 
tain facts and accounts to illustrate the time and manner of Israel's 
restoration. Nehemiah mentions his own deeds to aid this purpose. 

The Walls of Jerusalem Rebuilt.— There are three main 
parts. The first ^ tells of the building of the gates and walls of Jeru- i ch. i 6. 
salem under Nehemiah's direction. Nehemiah, son of Hachaliah, 
a butler at Shushan, hears from his brother Hanani, and some other 
men of Judah, about the wretched, defenceless condition of Jerusa- 
lem. He is filled with sadness, and, with fasting, appeals to God's 
mercy for the restoration of Israel.^ The Persian king, noticing 2 1, 
Nehemiah's sadness, inquires, is told the cause, and when asked per- 
mits Nehemiah to go to Jerusalem to build the city of his fathers' 
sepulchres. Upon request letters are furnished Nehemiah to the 
governors, that he may take timber from the royal forests. Despite 
Israel's enemies Nehemiah succeeds. Accompanied by soldiers and 
horsemen he comes to Jerusalem, and soon after his arrival inspects 
by night the broken walls. The elders of the Jews are incited to aid 
in rebuilding.^ Then there are given the names and the order of the ^2. 

141 



142 BIBLE LITERATURE. 

* 3. men and families who helped to rebuild the walls.* In this work 

hindrances arise. Enemies, Sanballat, Tobiah with Arabians and 
Ammonites seek to prevent the building. The Jews as they were 

5 4. building had therefore also to be armed and to set watches.* The 

people are also oppressed by the mortgages of usurers. These Nehe- 
miah compels to make restitution, and aids the people with personal 

^ 5. gifts.* Sanballat plots against ISTehemiah's life, seeks also to terrify 

him, and makes secret arrangements with some of Israel's nobles. 

"^ 6. But all such plans are in vain. The walls are finished.'' These 

occurrences seem to cover about one year, from 445 to 444 b. c. 

8 7-12. 43. Order Restored. — The second part ^ shows the further work of 

Nehemiah for the defense and upbuilding of Israel. The city of 

9 7. 1-4. Jerusalem is put under guards,^ and Israel is to be increased. The 

elders, the nobles and the people are called, that a geneaology might 

10 7. 5. be obtained.^" Then a document is found of the families which came 

11 7. 6-63. originally with Jerubabel and Joshua, which is copied," and of which 

12 7. 64-73. explanations are added.^'^ In the seventh month the people are gath- 
^^ 8. ered to hear the law read by Ezra and to keep the feast of tabernacles.^^ 

A fast is to be held, at which the Levites for the people confess God's 
1* 9. goodness and Israel's sin.^* The covenant is renewed and sealed by 

Nehemiah, the princes, priests, heads of families, which are enumer- 
15 10. ated. The offerings to be given are then regulated.^^ The rulers and 

the people, one out of ten, who are to dwell in Jerusalem are chosen 
IS 11. 1, 2. by lot.^® Then follow as dwellers lists of families and their heads," 

17 11.3-36. ^ ... 

and also an enumeration of priests and of Levites, who came up from 
19 W' 27^4's ^^® first.^® The solemn dedication of the city walls is now held.^* 
^" IS* 3i~ ^^^ third part"^^ tells, after some arrangements of worship and the 

^^ \n' i^~ reading of the law,^^ how Nehemiah returned a second time from 

lo. <»• 

Shushan, to which he had gone in the thirty-second year of Artax- 
erxes. He cast forth Tobiah for whom Eliashib, the priest, had 
made a chamber in God's temple. The tithes are arranged, the mar- 
riages with heathen stopped, the sanctity of the Sabbath enforced, and 
22 18. 4-81. abuses corrected, which had crept in during Nehemiah's absence.'*' 

Summary. — The writing of Nehemiah complements that of 
Ezra. It relates what Nehemiah did for the establishment of the 



NEH EMI AH— ESTHER. 143 

civil order in conjunction with tlie religious work of Ezra. Israel, 
with restored faith, was to have God's protection also in outward life. 
Its arrangements served to prepare the people of the Lord for the last 
great revelation of the Son. 



PRACTICAL LESSONS. 

1. Where faith is established civil order will follow. 

2. Those that turn to God He blesses also outwardly. 

3. Church and state, separate as they now must be, ought to 

CO- work for the same end of order. 



ESTHER. 

Its Character. — The book of Esther is very striking and graphic. 
It presents pictures well wrought out and finished. Characters are 
vividly portrayed by their words and acts without description. The 
whole action is dramatic. The style is chaste and simple, and the 
sentences are clear. Among the vocabulary of this late book are 
Aramaic and Persian terms. 

Its Contents. — Ahasuerus makes a great feast, to which 
Vashti, the queen, is bidden to show her beauty. She refuses, and is 
degraded, that other women may not imitate her disobedience.^' The ^^ l" 
king, when his wrath abates, had the most beautiful virgins brought to 
the palace. From them he selects Esther^ a Jewess, and relative of 
Mordecai, a Benjaminite. Mordecai still visits Esther when queen, 
and incidentally discovers a plot against the king.^* Haman becomes 2*2. 
minister of state, and demands great obeisance. This Mordecai 
piously refuses. Haman is enraged, plans to kill Mordecai and all 
Jews, and selects by lot (pur) the thirteenth day of the twelfth 
month to massacre the Jews.^^ Mordecai moves Esther to intercede ^^3. 
for Israel. At the risk of her life, she enters the throne-room, is 
graciously receiT^ed, and invites the king and Haman to a dinner.^^ 2® 4-5. 8. 
Haman, delighted, leaves the palace. Mordecai at the door does not 



144 BIBLE LITERATURE. 

37 5. 9-14. bow. Haman determines to liang him next day.^^ That night the 
king is sleepless, has the annals read, and finds that Mordecai has not 
been rewarded for discovering the plot against the king. Haman 
comes early to ask permission to hang Mordecai. The king asks 
Haman, what shall be done to the man, whom the king wishes to 
honor. Haman supposes this to be himself, and advises royal honor. 
He is bidden to give this to Mordecai. Haman's wife sees the begin- 

** 6' ning of his fall.^^ Now the dinner with Esther takes place. She 

denounces Haman and his decree to kill the Jews. The king, enraged, 
goes into the garden. When he returns he finds Haman kneeling 
before the queen. The king supposes that Haman, who begged for 
his life, contemplated violence, and has him hanged on the gallows 

29 7. erected for Mordecai.-^ Mordecai is raised to Haman's place.^" A 

30 8. 1, 2. ^ ^ 

new edict is made that the Jews may avenge themselves upon their 

31 8. 3-17. attackers. ^^ They kill many thousands and institute Purim, as a yearly 
^^ ^« celebration of their delivery.^^ Mordecai's administration is marked 
33 10. by glorious deeds.^^ 

The Purpose of the book of Esther, which does not mention 
God and in which the direct religious element is small, is to explain 
the origin of the festival of Purim. It glorifies the Jews as God's 
own people and shows their triumph. They are hated and opposed, 
but remain. No one can finally withstand them. The intense love 
for Israel rests on great promises. God keeps Israel for a purpose. 
Out of it is to come the Saviour. After His coming it is kept for sal- 
vation before the last day. In this preservation God is true to His 
covenant. 



PRACTICAL LESSONS. 

1. God will not have Israel destroyed. 

2. He has kept it for Christ's birth. 

8. He fs keeping it to save the remnant. 
4. God is faithful though all men be liars. 



JOB. 



CHAPTEE XXXVI. 

Its Character. — The book of Job, in contrast with the strictly 
Jewish book of Esther, strikes a keynote of universality. Job belongs 
to Israel's literature of wisdom, which touches problems of humanity. 
Broader than all other books and free from reference to Israel's 
history, it is also the deepest book of the Old Testament. It looks 
boldly into first principles. With vigor and delicacy characters stand 
forth in this ancient dialogue and drama. The historical narrative is 
simple, clear, rapid in movement. The discussions, which are poetry, 
combine vehement, passionate outbursts, brilliant images with calm, 
earnest contemplation. Wonderful pictures of life and nature are 
seen as complete in bold outline as in delicate, minute touches. The 
greatest poets have been inspired by Job, whose large plan is carried 
out with highest art and perfect naturalness. The language is as 
peculiar and many-sided as the book. Arabic, as well as archaic 
and Aramaic terms are largely found. It is possible that Job was 
written in the wide outlook of the age of Solomon. An ancient 
and perhaps an Arabic story of Job was made the foundation of in- 
quiry into the great question : Why does the righteous man suffer ? 

The Prolog"iie^ shows Job, pious and wealthy,^ accused of ji 1-3. 
selfishness and insincerity by Satan before God. God permits Satan 
to try Job, whose wealth, children and health are taken away. But 
Job remains patient.^ His friends come. After silence. Job curses 3 1. 6—2. 10. 
the day of his birth, but does not deny God.* The weakness of Job * 2. n— «. 
moves his friends to accuse him. 

The Cause of Suffering'. — There ensues a great contest about 
the cause of Job's sufferings.^ In three attempts his friends seek to ^ 4-28. 
bring Job to acknowledge his guilt, but he asserts ever more strongly 
his innocence. 

10 145 



8 


6,7. 


9 

11 


8. 


Il 10 
' 11 


9. 
10. 


12 


11. 


13 


12-14 


14 


15-21 


15 


15. 



146 BIBLE LITERATURE. 

6 4-14. Job and His Three Friends. — The first attempt ^ opens with 

the assertion of Eliphaz, that before God Almighty no man is just. 

7 4, 5. Job as a sinner ought to submit to divine punishment.' Job com- 

plains how great and incomprehensible to him are his sufferings. God 
seems a severe spy.^ Bildad affirms : God is just. He punishes only 
the wicked.^ Job feels God's might and struggles against the thought 
of God's arbitrariness.^'' Why has God created man to destroy him ?" 
Zophar now emphasizes God's wisdom, which searches out even hid- 
den sin.^^ Job asserts his knowledge of God s wisdom and power to 
be superior to that of his friends, but his lot is undeserved. He puts 
his cause before God, and is silent when no answer comes.^' 

In the second attempt^*' Job's friends seek to intimidate him. 
Eliphaz calls Job's words foolish, and portrays the lot of the wicked.^^ 
Job answers that this description is not new. He is attacked merci- 
lessly by God and men. Yet he calls upon God as witness, and 
16 16,17. determines to remain just and sincere.^^ Bildad shows the wicked 
^"^ 18. clearly, and roughly points to Job." Job laments his sad state. Still, 

though God wounds him, he will call to God, and is assured of an 
avenger, who will proclaim his innocence after his death, when he 
^^ 1^' shall see God.^^ In this hope of the avenger there is an outlook upon 

the Redeemer and His life. Zophar illustrates the destruction of the 

19 20. wicked by the example of a rich man, who robbed others.^* To this 

Job replies that sinners often are prosperous to their death. The 

20 21. words of his friends are vapor. ^'^ 

21 22-28. In their third attempt^^ Job's friends are brought to silence. Eli* 

phaz asserts Job's sins and begs him, after the example of other unbe- 

22 22. lievers, to come to repentance.^^ Job complains that he cannot place 

23 23. his case before God.^^ God's ways are mysterious; the oppressed 
s*24. perish, sinners flourish.^* Bildad answers : " Before God no creature 

25 25. is pure, least of all man." ^^ Job affirms God's exaltedness,^® and 

26 26. 

27 2 7,28. closes the discussion." He is innocent. God's judgment will come 

28 27. upon the wicked.'^^ God's wisdom is hidden from the natural eye, but 

29 28. for man fear of God and avoidance of evil are wisdom.^' 

Solution of the Problem. — Job now addresses God, and the 
ao 29-31. solution of the problem begins.^" He thinks of his former state, his 



JOB. 147 

fortune, and God's pleasure in his piety .^^ But what misery is his ^i 29. 
now ? ^^ Solemnly before God he affirms his innocence.^' |g 30. 

Upon this statement begins the human answer through Elihu.^* 3432-37. 
Elihu shows how sufferings reveal the sins of man's heart. They are 
educative chastisemejits from God. This is a partly true answer, and 
leads naturally to God's final reply. Elihu claims, against the wis- 
dom of the older men, to have God's spirit ^^ He corrects Job for ^s 32. 
his words, and calls suffering the work of God for man"s education. ^^ ^^ 33. 
God is just, as nature and history prove." God cannot be called to ^t 34. 
account. He must be besought.^^ Mighty as He is, He despises not ^^ 35. 
man. The chastised one is to be converted ; only the hardened heart 
is without salvation.^^ Glorious and mighty is God in the works of ^^ 36. 
nature ! Who dare master Him ? ^° *<> 37. 

God Speaks. — God appears and answers.*^ In His first reply,*^ *J ?i~f o* "i 
He asks Job to behold all the problems of animate and inanimate 
creation, which show His wisdom Job promises never again to speak 
against God. In His second reply,'^^ God unfolds His righteousness, ^^fS'l" 
and ironically asks Job to govern the world. In the contemplation of 
two mighty creatures, Job is shown his helplessness. 

Finally,** God corrects Job's friends for their wrong words, and **42.7ff. 
restores to Job wealth, many children, and blesses him with long life. 

The Pinal Answer of God then is, that sufferings are the toay 
to greater glory. This is seen only in earthly colors in the book of Job, 
while the future solution of eternal life is merely indicated.*^ On the *5 19. 25. 
way to glory the righteous is tried. This trial brings out the good in him. 
He proves to be gold, turning to God even in his doubts, faithful, and 
seeking rest in God. But in the trial, sins are also revealed. The 
righteous murmurs, and is impatient. He needs chastisements. These 
remove the dross, and refine the gold. Sins are purged away, faith 
becomes stronger. This result shows that the sufferings of the right- 
eous are not from God's wrath, but from His love, in which He chas- 
tiseth every son He loveth. The submission to sufferings is also a 
testimony before men and Satan, that there is unselfishness and sin- 
cerity. Though God destroy the righteous he will hope in God. Thus 
Satan is defeated. The individual experience leads to a larger out- 



148 BIBLE LITERATURE. 

look. There is a contest of evil and good in this world, which cannot 
be ended without the suffering of the just. The fulfillment is brought 
in Christ, Who, the Just One, suffered for the unjust, and gave His 
life as a ransom. The cross is the final and full answer of the hoping 
glimpses of the Old Testament. 



PRACTICAL LESSONS. 

1. The good often suffer. 

2. Their trials make them better. 

3. Their sins are cleansed away. 

4. By their faith they witness. 

5. Sufferings of the good lead to glory. 

6. God is just, wise, and loving, even when we do not feel it. 

7. Jesus Christ, who suffered for us, brings forgiveness and thus 

every consolation. 



PSALMS. 



CHAPTER XXXVII. 

Their Structure. — The Psalms form the most complete collec- 
tion of mighty, inspired Hebrew poetry . Fragments of poetry are found 
in many books of the Old Testament ;^ and the dialogues of Job, 
Proverbs, the Song of Songs and the Lamentations of Jeremiah are 
poetry. The real characteristic of Hebrew poetry is the rythmic 
expression of thought by two or more clauses. This is called " par- 
allelism of members." The thought may be the same (synonym),^ le. ^f., Ps. 2.8. 
or opposite (antithetic),'^ or thoughts maybe combined in a causal ^e. ^., Ps. 1.6. 
or other way (synthetic).' The most simple form is that with two ^^'-P\'F^{ 
clauses; but three* or four^ clauses also occur. Some poems® are *c. sr., Ps. e. 6. 

' ^ 5e. pr., ps. 18. 

alphabetic, verses or sections beginning with the successive letters ^ ^» ^- , ^ ^ ^ 
^ ' & & 6e. gf., Ps. 119. 

of the alphabet. Some psalms'^ repeat the thought of the begin- 7g. ^., Ps. 8. 

ning at certain intervals or the end ; these are called envelope 

psalms.^ 8e. 5-., Ps. 8. 

Hymns. — The psalms are hymns, and their superscriptions, 
which are probably of later origin, contain directions for the chief 
musician f about the instruments, f the voices^ and certain melo- 
dies. || The frequent ' Selah" seems to mark a pause in singing, 
and an interlude for the instruments. At times the occasion^ 



*e.g., Gen. 4. 23 ; 9. 25 ff. ; 27. 27 ff. ; 49. 1 ff. ; Ex. 15. 1 ff. ; Num. 6. 24 ff. ; 
Deut. 32. 1 ff. ; Joshua 10. 12 ff. ; 1 Sara. 2. 1 ff. ; 2 Sam. 1. 19 ; Is. 5. 1 ff. ; 12 ; 
24. 15 ; 38. 9 ff. ; Ez. 7. 5 ; Jonah 2. 1 ff. ; Hab. 3. 1 ; etc. 

fe. g., Ps. 4, 5, 6, 8, 9, 11, 12, 13, etc. This heading in fifty-five Psalms. 

X e.g., Neginoth,9 stringed instruments ; Nehiloth,io the flutes. 9 Ps. 4. 

lops. 5. 
g Alamoth, in the manner of virgins (soprano). 

II Muthlabben,ii " death makes white ; " Aijelethshahar,i2 *<■ hind of the n Ps. 9. 
morning;" Shoshanim, 13 " liiiies." The meaning of many of these terms ^^£^*?"'^* 
is doubtful. 13 Pa 45. 

fle. g., 7, 34, 52, 56, 57, 63, 142. Ps. 120-134, of degrees, perhaps sung on the 
festival pilgrimages to Jerusalem. 



150 BIBLE LITERATURE. 

wJiich called forth a psalm is given, and the special character 

marked.* 
IsQOth PsSm Their Authors.— The authors are David,^* Moses/^ Solomon," 

^^ll'/.^* Asaph, a Levite and chief musician of David, ^'^ Ethan, the Ezra- 

*^ 77 % ^^* hite,^^ perhaps the same as Jeduthun,'^ and Heman, the Ezrahite,^® 
18 ps!~f 9 * "vvho may have composed some of the psalms for the sons of Korah, 

19 Ps! 39*, 62, p M P • 91 

77, ' ' a family of singers.^^ 
2ips!42', The Psalms of David, marking most clearly the character 

85, 87*. ' of these hymns as prayers, show the inner life and faith of David. 
His earliest psalms f are voiced with mighty feeling. In abrupt 
changes, and in vivid pictures of power, like rock, fortress, shield, 
battles, ambush, pits, lions, expression is given to his deep sense of 
innocence, his intense devotion and trust, his strong sense of per- 
sonal nobleness, his earnest hate of the enemies of the Lord. Time 
brings an easier flow of language, a fuller vocabulary, an easier, 
more polished style, J with an increase of descriptive power. But the 
spirit of devotion increases in depth, earnestness and warmth. The 
Lord is proclaimed as King, whose dominion shall cover the world, 
which He made. David feels his kingly responsibility before God* 
Against the enemies he is determined. The guilty shall not come 
to Gods holy mountain. Great, wonderful is God's might and 
majesty. When David falls his psalms § change. They become peni- 
tential psalms and enter into the human heart with intense power. 
In deepest agony and abasement sin is laid bare ; its sufferings and 
punishments are incomparably portrayed. Guilt is felt, spirit and body 
are prostrated by outward calamities and plots of friends. But while 
the spirit is thus broken, David becomes more lovingly persuasive, 
sympathetic, and touches the inmost heart. He never surrenders the 
knowledge of his high office, his generous, unselfish love for Israel, 



22 Ps. 16, 56, *Michtain,22 perhaps "a golden treasure;" maschll,23 a psalm of in- 

5 7, etc. struction ; the heading " a psalm " in fifty-seven psalms (Hebrew, mizmor) 

44 etc ^'^ restricted to religious hymns ; the title " song " (Hebrew, shir)is a general 

word for song. 

t Probably Psalms 7, 8, 11, 12, 13, 17, 22, 34, 35, 52, 54, 56, 57, 59. 

J See Ps. 9, 10, 15, 18, 19, 20, 21, 23, 24, 26, 29, 36, 58, 60, 68, 101, 108, 110, 

g Ps. 5, 6, 82, 38, 39, 40, 41, 51, 55, 64. 



PSALMS. 151 

his firm and hopeful trust in God. At the time of his flight he 
sings,* with deep susceptibility, of God's continued help and presence, 
His protection, His goodness that bliall again enable the afflicted 
to offer sacrifices of joy. In his latest psalms f David realizes most 
fully God's all-pervading presence and his own dependence. His 
heart is pardoned, cleansed, renewed. Let all creatures join him in 
blessing the Lord. While the other psalms cannot fully compare 
with David's, yet they also voice in strong and pleasing form, in 
pictures of power and grace, deep petitions and mighty praises. 

Five Books. — The Psalms, thus arising from individual life 
and sometimes out of the life of the nation, in its trials and for its 
festivals, were collected. They form five books. The/rs^ book end- 
irg with the 41st Psalm, embraces mainly the hymns of David, 
beginning with Ps. 3. The 1st and 2d Psalm were affixed later as 
headings for the whole collection. The second book^ opening with 
Psalms from the hymn-book of the sons of Korah,^* included other 2* Ps. 42-49. 
psalms of David, and ended with the 72d Psalm. It was thought 
that here David's songs would end. But later a third book was 
gathered.^^ Finally ih.e fourth was added,^® and soon after the Jifth.'^'' H^^- l^'f^'f. 
There are some late psalms of the exile, and therefore the collection ^^^^^q ^^~ 
could not have been closed sooner. 

Their Moral Problems. —The Psalms present two moral 
problems. The first is the assertion of innocence. This is no self- 
righteousness, but always includes knowledge of sin. It means free- 
dom from great transgression, and finally appeals to God and trusts 
in Him because of His promise. The second and more apparent 
moral problem arises in connection with the strong spirit of vindic- 
tiveness, praying for the terrible destruction of enemies.^ But these 
prayers are meant as a contest in God's behalf, even in their most per- 
sonal statements. They breathe the fierceness of the law, and are to 
be judged by their own age and purpose, and not by the spirit of gentle 



♦See Ps. 3, 4, 27, 28, 31, 61, 63, 69, 70, 143. 
t See e. g. Ps. 103, 139. 
Je. ^.,Ps. 7. 69, 63, 69, 109. 



152 BIBLE LITERATURE. 

28 Luke 9. 65. Jove first revealed by Christ.^* There is also justice and holiness with 
God, Who is a consuming fire. 

Classes of Psalms.— The Psalms may be divided in their 
religious value into:^ Didg^Ud^psalmB, in which the divine Spirit, 
through human experience, portrays good and evil men,^ exalts God's 
law,f shows the vanity of human life J and urges the duty of rulers ; ^ 
into hymns oi praise for God's goodness to Israel, 1| to all good men,^ 
for His mercies to individuals,^^ and His attributes ; ff and into 
psalms specially devoMoilsI, expressing penitence,JJ trust in trials,§^ 
sorrow with hope,|||| deep distress, ^][ deprivation of religious privi- 
leges,^** desire for help,tff and intercession 4 tJ Three psalms §^§ 
are largely historical. 

Messianic Psalms. — Of highest interest are the Messianic 
psalms.WWW In addition to single prophetic features in other psalms 
these show, indirectly through the life of David or others, or directly, 
the great King to come. God's own son, Lord, king and priest for- 
ever, full of beauty and glory, Israel's corner-stone, yet rejected by 
them, despised, killed, in deepest grief, forsaken by God, and yet not 
suffering corruption. It is the outline of Christ, suffering, dying, 
risen, rejected and glorious. Son of man and of God. The very 
inwardness of Christ's suffering is unfolded. 

*Ps. 1, 5, 7, 9-12, 14, 15, 17, 24, 25, 32, 34, 36, 87, 50, 52, 53, 58, 73, 75, 84, 91, 92, 94, 
102, 121, 125, 127, 128, 133. 

t Ps. 19, 119. 

X Ps. 89, 49, 90. 

§ Ps. 82, 101. 

H Ps. 46, 48, 65, 66, 68, 76, 81, 85, 98, 105, 125, 126, 185, 136, 149, 150. 

11 Ps. 88, 34, 36, 91 , 100, 108, 107, 117, 121, 145, 146. 

** Ps. 9, 18, 22, 30, 40, 75, 103, 118, 116, 118, 138, 144. 

tfPs. 8, 19, 24, 29, 33, 47, 50, 65, 66, 76, 77, 95-97, 99, 104, 111, 113-115, 134, 139, 147 
148, 150. 

tt Ps. 6, 25, 32, 38, 51, 102, 120, 143. 

g§ Ps. 3, 16, 27, 8., 54, 56, 57, 61, 62, 71, 86. 

IIIIPs. 13,32, 69, 77, 88. 

^^ Ps. 28, 41, 60, 64, 70, 109, 120, 140, 141, 143. 

**■>■ Ps. 42, 43, 63, 64. 

•ftt Ps. 7, 17, 26, 35, 44, 60, 74, 79, 80, 83, 89, 94, 102, 129, 187. 

XU Ps. 20, 07, 122, 132, 144. 

ggg Ps. 78, 105, 106. 

im II Ps. 2, 16, 22, 40, 45, 68, 69, 72, 110, 118. 



PSALMS. 153 

The New Testament therefore constantly refers to the Psalms. 
Christ uses them to explain His rejection, to teach His divinity and 
humanity. In them He clothes many of the words on the cross. To 
them Peter appeals as proof of the resurrection. From them Paul 
argues about the ascension. 

A Treasury of Devotion. — No Old Testament book has so 
completely passed over into the mouth and heart of the Church. 
Nowhere are there prayers so rich. They embrace nature and 
history, the world around, the world within us, the experience of 
each man and of humanity. They picture all situations and feel- 
ings from the deepest humiliation, the darkest temptation, through 
trials and ordinary troubles, to joys of God, and highest adoration and 
peace. The complete penetration of moral corruption, through sin, is 
felt, the great power of repentance experienced, the high support of 
faith realized. The more the Psalter is known, the more it is felt to 
be constantly necessary, ever growing in power and beauty, as it 
fills each spiritual want lor the individual and the Church. "It 
ought to be precious to us, because it so clearly tells of Christ's 
suffering and resurrection, and pictures His kingdom, the condition 
and being of all Christendom, that it might well be called a little 
Bible. But it tells us not only the works, but the words of saints. 
You look into the heart of all saints, as into beautiful, delightful 
gardens, yea as into heaven. Again, where do you find deeper, more 
plaintive and wretched words of sadness, than in the plaintive psalms ? 
You look again into the heart of all saints, as into death, yea into 
hell. How deep and dark it is from the sad view of God's wrath." 
(Luther.) But faith ever prevails and conquers. 



PRACTICAL LESSONS. 

1. God's Spirit speaks through the experience of the saints. 

2. The innocent has God with Him. 

3. God's holiness demands the punishment of His enemies. 

4. Sin must be confessed and repented of. 

5. Praise is ever joined with prayer. 

6. Christ is the power of all prayer. 



PROVERBS. 



CHAPTEE XXXVIII. 

What the Proverbs Are. — Usually proverbs are sayings of 
practical wisdom common among the people. But here " The Prov- 
erbs " (Hebrew, Mishle) mean rather truths presented in terse con- 
trasts. They are short similitudes with a lesson, often put into one 
sentence. Frequently, however, there is no comparison, but only a 
pointed, pithy moral truth expressed. " The Proverbs" are the out- 
come of inspired reflection and art. Their most noted originator among 
the Jews was Solomon. His sayings were many and covered many 
1 1 Kings 4. 82. subjects.^ In their form " The Proverbs " are poetic. The thought is 
synthetic or antithetic,* but mostly comparative (parabolic). It is 
expressed generally in two lines, but sometimes also in four, six, and 
eight. At times short proverbs are combined into a longer composi- 
tion, into a proverb-poem, as it were. Chains of alphabetic prov- 
erbs also occur. But in whatever form, the proverb is simple, fresh, 
sparkling and charming. 

What They Teach. — " The Proverbs " begin with a general 

2 1. 1-6. introduction,^ in which the words of the wise are commended for 

their moral teaching and their intellectual value. The main content 
of all their teaching is : " The fear of the Lord is the beginning of 

3 V. 7. wisdom? " 

4 1. 8—9. Wisdom and Polly Contrasted. — The first section * con- 

sists of a series of proverb-poems of some length. They warn the 
youth against the wicked, whose paths bring destruction. Wisdom 
calls to the fear of God. Whoever despises it must come to judg- 
ment, and eat the fruit of his folly. But the fruits of wisdom are 
fear and knowledge of God, and a pure walk. These are attained by 
fidelity to God's commandments, and not by reliance upon one's own 
wisdom and strength. The true wisdom, by which heaven and earth 



* See Psalms. 
154 



PROVERBS. 155 

were made, summons men to self-denial, avoidance of impurity, lazi- 
ness, and frowardness, and enjoins truthfulness. It is a good and 
gracious host inviting men to its rich feast. But folly also invites 
men and obtains them to their destruction. It is not known who is 
the author of these series of connected proverbs. Wise men later 
than Solomon may have spoken them, perhaps with some of his 
words in mind. The general heading (Chapter 1. 1) applies to the 
whole book. Chapter 1.6, " words of the wise and their dark say- 
ings " is the title of the first section. 

Isolated Maxims. — The second section ^ contains, as claimed ^ 10-22. 16. 
by its heading, "Proverbs of Solomon." There is no continuous 
teaching, but there are many isolated maxims, short, pithy and 
mostly antithetic. They flow along in rapid succession, with no 
apparent connection except here and there a catch-word, or a com- 
mon heading. The order is determined rather by a single formal 
feature, than by likeness of thought. Certain symbols recur often, as 
e. g. "fountain," "tree of life," "well of life," "snares of death," 
" healing," etc. Pictorial vividness appears everywhere. There fol- 
low two additions.^ Both contain sayings of " wise men." ^ 22. ]7— 

•^ ° 24. 22, and 

A selection of Solomon's proverbs, made by the " men of Hez- 24. 24-34. 

ekiah," "^ carries on the collection. Proverbs of Solomon not pre- "^ 25-29. 
viously gathered, and similar to the second section, were added. 
They are grouped as the others in a formal way, but there is a larger 
and freer use of the direct parable. 

True "Wisdom. — A wise man, Agur,^ gives hidden sayings and * 30. 
proverbs about true wisdom, its proof and permanence. Under the 
name of Lemuel,^ there are reported teachings of wisdom for kings. ^ 31. 1-9. 
With an alphabetic hymn, singing the praise of the virtuous woman',^*' 10 31. lO-si. 
the collection closes. 

The Central Thought of the proverbs is to teach wisdom, which 
springs from the fear of the Lord. This wisdom is a thing of the 
heart. No legal or ceremonial features are found in it. It may be 
best characterized in the words of James," as " first pure, then n Jas. 3. 17. 
peaceable, gentle and easy to be entreated, full of mercy and good 
fruits, without partiality and without hypocrisy." Most frequent are 



156 BIBLE LITERATURE. 

the warnings against impurity and against the allurements of wicked 

1-11.2; women. Then there are advised gentle inwardness and humility," 
15. 88 ; 

li'i^i'o mercy, and good deeds of helpfulness.^^ The whole spirit is to be 

lo> 5, 18. 

^^ 24* 17- ^^^ ^^ simplicity, honesty and sobriety with careful prudence in the 

25. 21. activities, duties and relations of life. 

Right Social Relations. — The principles of a true life are 
also seen in their social relation. Society is becoming wealthier. 
Extravagance, indebtedness, drunkenness, impurity are warned 

14 6. 1 flf. ; against. The harlot and the money-lender are accurately shown.^* 

7. 6 ff. ' 

15 15.19; Idleness,^^ pride,^® uncontrolled speech, ^'^ irreverence for the parents 
o^' ?Q %' ' ^^^ aged ^^ are sharpiy rebuked. The training of the home, its 

^0« -l-O IX* 

^^ Is* 12 ' counsels, warnings and chastisements are needed. ^^ Against license 

^^18*7^'^^' and disorder justice must be maintained. This calls for a wise and 

^^15*5- righteous ruler,^^ who must resist the dangers of his position.^^ 

i9'^l!7%* Prudent counsellors must be about him.^^ But much depends also 

e'. 20'; ' upon the place and character of woman. Her folly and sin may 

22! 6, 15; bring terrible evils.^^ In her uprightness she' is, however, the crown 

23 13 14 

20 16*. 10' ff.; and glory of man.'^* She makes home bright where there is a true 

20 8 26 28 

31 28! 16; ' * union.^"^ The "prudent wife" is one of God's best gifts,^^ building 
29. 12; 

31.4. her house on the only true foundation. Her influence over the 

22 24. 6. 

23 2.i6ff.; children is great.'^^ Her persuasion leads them. Their sins are 

O • o IT. ) 

7. 6 ff. ; heaviness to her soul.^^ True and loving obedience ought they 

24=11.16; render her.^^ Thus the true outlines of social order and its main- 

12. 4. 

26 19* 14 ^' stays are seen. 

28 10' i'- ^' ^* Wisdom Defined. — But wisdom is not mere prudence, moved 

29 ^i". 8^-' 6. 20. ^y considerations of temporary well-being. It is from above. Jehovah 

30 3.3ff. is the highest. His curse is most terrible. His blessing the best.'® 

31 3. 16; He gives length of days,^^ and blesses even in correcting.^^ All gifts 

32 3^11, 12. of mind, all holiness come from Him.^^ He, too, gives outward hap- 

33 16, 1, 9. 

34. 19. 14. iness of life.^* The righteous before Hira are delivered from death.'* 

35 11.4. 

36 8. 22-30. But wisdom is almost personified.^^ It dwells with God, as His 

Son. It makes the world. Therefore wisdom finds its fulfillment in 

37 Luke 11. 49. Christ. He is the Son.'^ In Him are not only the treasures of wis- 

38 Col. 2. 3. dom '^ but He is made for us the wisdom of God.'^ This wisdom He 
39 1 Cor. 1. 29, ' 

80. was in eternity. 



PROVERBS. 157 

Summary — The widest, truest moral teaching for the individual 
and society inculcates prudence, purity, righteousness, justice, for- 
giveness, mercy. It has its deep foundation in faith and in fear of 
God. It receives its sanctions and rewards from Him. His wisdom, 
which was from the beginning, shines forth in the Son. The coming 
of the Son brings us the highest wisdom of faith and life. 



PRACTICAL LESSONS. 

1. Impurity is a terribly destructive sin. 

2. Justice must be tempered with mercy. 

3. Good women are a high blessing. 

4. Just rulers help a nation. 

5. All true morality rests on faith. 

6. Christ is the highest wisdom. 



ECCLESIASTES. 



CHAPTER XXXIX. 

Authorship. — This treatise on wicdom is named after its Greek 
title, meaning the Preacher. Its author is not known, but he is gen- 
erally supposed to have been Solomon. 

Contents — The fundamental theme of the book is : All is 
vanity. But there is no despair, nor is man broken by an unchange- 
able fate. All earthly things are seen in their final emptiness. In 
1 12. 7. sad times there is a glimpse of life to come,^ but no assurance. Out 

^ 7* 25 '28' ^^ experience wisdom ^ has found that neither activity nor pleasure,^ 
3 I* ^^JQ nor searching after knowledge * will give real happiness.^ There is 

5 2* 14 ff! ^^ certain answer to the problems of life.^ Yet wisdom, as all rela- 
7! 23 -8. 17. lively good gifts, '^ comes from God. It is comparatively the best 
8 2.* 26.' ' ' gift.^ If man learns how unchangeable is God's law,^ he becomes 

10 3* 19 'ff. * ' moderate in all things, and dutiful. When the end cometh,^*' there 

11 3. 22; has then' been loy according to God's will in work.^^ But the conclu- 
5. Iff. ; '' 

y» i^i®' ^ » siou, in view of judgment, is to fear God and keep His commandments.^^ 

"12*1 '13 This position is a proof of the power of revelation. Among the 

most conflicting and depressing experiences of life God is not 

abandoned. His fear is still considered wisdom. Faith in Him 

wavers not. But at the same time the insufficiency of the old cove- 

13 Heb. 8. 13. naut, that must vanish,^^ appears here most clearly. The darkness of 

life can only be satisfactorily enlightened by the new covenant, in 
which heavenly love, that is also heavenly wisdom, conquers sin, death 
and Satan. Only in the New Testament is the hope of man placed 
fully in the hereafter. What the Preacher cannot fully say and 
clearly see, his partial hopelessness even in faith, is the mightiest 
prophecy of the need of Christ. 

In the series of four parts, thought is thus associated : 

14 1, 2. First Part.^* — Vanity of vanities, all is vanity. What profit 

158 



ECCLESIASTES. 159 

has man of his work ? ^5 Men come and go. There is a continuous ^^ 1.2,8. 

circle, and nothing is new under the sun.^^ All endeavor is vain. ^^ 1. 4-ii. 

The intellect that would find the secrets of life is not satisfied." ^^ 1.12-I8. 

Enjoyment brings no result. The wise and the foolish both die, and 

leave their goods.^^ But in all care there is some happiness from ^^ 2. 1-28. 

God, who giveth the good wisdom, knowledge and joy. But to the 

sinner all that he gathers is vain.^^ 19 2. 24-26. 

Second Part.^"— Everything by God's will has its time.^^ H ^'^1^ 
Man cannot change this order, and as earthly enjoyment is God's 

gift, it is best to rejoice and do good.^^ This goodness and joy ought ^* 3* ^~^^' 
to remain, even when man sees wrong in public judgments, and knows 
that he must die bodily as a beast. Such conditions serve to show 

man his nothingness and to point to God's judgment.^^ It is hard to ^^ 3. 16-23. 

remain joyous, because so many oppressed ones find no comforter.^* ^* 4:. i-s. 

Much trouble cometh from envy.^^ Many seek riches rather than ^^ *• ^^• 

the joy of fellowship.^^ In political life men rise to honor, which ^® 4:. 7-i2. 

does not last." Even in the worship of God evil creep eth in, and ^^ ^' ^^-^^' 
there must be purity, humility, truthfulness, that the wrath of God 

may not come.^^ In injustice there is to be no despair, a higher is ^^ 5. 1-7. 
above the high, and the Highest is above all. Many riches bring no 

peace.^® But what God gives is to be enjoyed, remembering how ^^ 5.8-11. 

easily riches are lost.^'' ^^ 5. 12-20. 

Third Part.^^ — All riches and honor bring no joy, if God does ^^ ^' ^~^* ^^ 

not grant the power to enjoy them.^^ All reaching after wealth is vain, ^^ ^* ^'^' 
because it can never be satisfied, and God's order cannot be changed. 

But the wise man does not contend with God.^^ He seeketh a good ^^ ^* ^"^^* 

name, the correction of sorrow, and avoids oppression.^* The present ^* '*' ^~'^' 

is to be patiently borne, and good and evil days accepted.^^ When ^^ '^' ^~^^' 
divine justice is not seen, the wise man learns from the sinfulness of 

others, and mindful of his own sin, beareth ills.^^ Such wisdom is ^® '^' ^^"^• 
rare, for great is temptation, e. g., of impurity. Few are upright as 

the Lord made them.^' But wise is he that honoreth the king, and that ^^ ''• 23-29. 

abides time and judgment. ^^ At the end the righteous are blessed, the ^^ ^* ^~^- 

wicked perish.^* But disparity remains. Man's lot does not cor- ^® ^' ^~^^- 

respond with his worth. Yet let man enjoy what God gives him.*° *° 8* i*» ^5. 



160 BIBLE LITERATURE. 

*i 8.18— Fourth Part.*^— The allotment of God to man cannot be 

42 8. 16—9. 8. understood, and in all things is evil done by man.*^ But the worst 

lot is preferable to death. Let man enjoy what he has. Let him 

43 9. 4-10. work with his might ; for death will put an end to his labors.*^ The 

result of life's work is uncertain, yet wisdom is a high power, which, 

44 9. 11-15. under favorable circumstances, helps much.** Wisdom is more than 

strength. A sinner doeth much harm, but wise moderation con- 
*^ ^' 16— quereth the mighty.*^ Folly may rise, but it will fall. Only wisdom 
4s 10. 5-11. is profitable to direct.*® Wisdom is wise in words, but a fool's lips 

destroy him. A land may have a bad government, but the ruler 
47 10. 12-20. should not even secretly be cursed.*^ Every one should do good in 

48 11.1-6. all his work,*® enjoy life as long as he can, especially in youth, but 

49 11.7-10. should remember the judgment of God.*^ In youth shall God be 

remembered, before the sad days of old age come, when the body 

50 12.1-7. decays.^0 

51 12. 9-11. All this wisdom is gathered for the people,^^ and the conclusion 

52 12. 12-14. ig . to fear God and His judgment.^^ 

Summary. — ^Vanity marks all earthly things. Neither knowl- 
edge, nor pleasure, nor riches, nor power satisfy ; nor are they per- 
manent. Wickedness and injustice often rule, and the times are 
out of joint. The wise man enjoys what God gives, keeps God's 
commandments and knows that judgment will come. The highest 
hope is only in Christ. 



PRACTICAL LESSONS. 

1. All earthly things are empty. 

2. It is impossible by worldly wisdom and power to gain the 
truth. 

3. Injustice and wickedness often rule among men. 

4. The only help is divine wisdom, which is God's gift. 

5. It bears what it cannot solve, enjoys God's gifts and works. 

6. The darkness of life is taken away by Jesus. 



SONG OF SONGS. 



CHAPTER XL. 
Its Authorship and Style. — This beautiful poem bears 
testimony of its authorship at the head.^ It is Solomon's, though it 1 1. 1. 
contains some Aramaic forms. Everywhere Solomon's spirit appears, 
and his love of all beauty. Nature is wonderfully portrayed.^ In 2 cp. 1 Kings 
the North are seen the heights of Lebanon, the peaks of Shenir and 
Hermon,^ the dens of lions and leopards, the mighty cedars and 3 4. s. 
cypresses,* and the flowering meadow,^ the gurgling streams,^ amid the * 1. 17. 

5 X. 16. 

perfume-laden breezes.'^ East, in Gilead, its flocks ^ are marked, and ^ 4. 15. 
■^ 74.11. 

the heights of Bether.^ On the West, appear Carmel and its 1 4. 1 ; 6. 5. 

fields.^" Sharon and its valleys full of flowers," gazelles among 107.5. 

112.1; 7.13. 
lilies,^^ doves by the waters, in rocks and groves.^^ In the South, we 124. 5. 

13 5. 12 ; 

come to the vineyard, orchard and the open field.^* The love of ^ 2. 14. 
V ^ 14= 7. 11 ff. 

splendor in buildings, jewels and rich furniture is also apparent. ^^ All 15 1. 9, 12, is. 

is painted in language of rich color, highly finished, deeply artistic. 4. 4 ; 

5. 14; 
Truly is this the song of songs, even as poetry, for into it is gathered, 7. 4. 

as into a paradise, all that is beautiful and glorious, rich in life and 

}oy, charming and delicate. 

Its Structure.— In its form this poem appears at first dramatic. 
It consists of monologues and dialogues. The characters are the 
bride, the beloved, her brothers, and a chorus, daughters of Jerusalem* 
All have their characteristic language. But there is no real drama, 
for there is no successive action. Only incidents are dramatic in this 
lyric idyl. As such it is marked by its personal tone, its chorus, and 
the refrains, which refer always to the whole poem. 

The Story about which this idyl is woven seems to be this: 
King Solomon visits his vineyard in Mount Lebanon. He comes by 
surprise upon a beautiful Shulammite maiden. She flees, and he 
visits her, disguised as a shepherd, and wins her. Soon he comes to 
claim her as queen. They proceed then to the royal palace. Here 
the poem begins and relates the story of love, 

V \61 



162 BIBLE LITERATURE. 

It is unfolded in seven parts, which always end with a refrain.'* 

I. The Wedding Day." — The bridal procession is coming. 
The bride softly, half to her attendants, half to the groom, asks for 
the pledge of love, and praises her beloved.'^ Then follows the 
ancient custom of lifting across the threshold,'^ when the bride says : 
" Draw me," and the chorus answers. The bride rejoices to be in the 
royal chambers, but fears they are too grand for one of her lowly lot.^*' 

II. The Bride's Memories.^' — The bride recalls how her 
lover visited her on a spring day.^^ Her stern brothers interrupt, 
crying that the foxes had broken into her vineyard.^^ The spell is 
broken and ends in a sweet refrain.^* The second memory is a happy 
dream, how she sought her lover in all the streets of Jerusalem and 
found him.^^ 

III. The Day of Betrothal.^® — The chorus tells how Solo- 
mon came up in his glory to claim the maiden.^^ Solomon praises 
her beauty,^^ and asks her to come with him.^^ He asks her to be 
his wife, using the picture of a walled garden, full of fragrance and 
beauty.^^ The maiden accepts, and the chorus rejoices.^' 

IV. A Troubled Dream ^^ comes to the wife. In her dream, 
yet a bride, she hears her lover at the latch of the door in the night. 
As she rises, arrays herself, and dips her hand in myrrh, that she may 
open and meet with fragrance her own, he is gone.'"^ She follows and 
seeks him in vain in the streets of the city. As she seeks and cries, 
the watchmen take her, smite her, and rob her of her veil.^* She 
calls upon the daughters of Jerusalem, telling of her love.^^ They 
rejoin : What is thy beloved more than others ? ^® Then she enters 
upon a praise of his beauty.^'' When again the chorus inquires, 
Where is thy beloved gone ? ^^ the sad dream has passed, and the groom 
is with her.^^ 

V. The King Meditates on His Bride.^^— Again the king 
breaks forth into praise of her graces. 

41T. 11— 8. 4. VI. Homeward Thoughts" fill the bride. She would go 

where love was first pledged, among the flowers and the fruit-trees. 
*2 8.5-i4. VII. Love is Renewed*^ in the vineyard at Lebanon. The 

43 8. 5. chorus tells how the beloved came up.^^ Solomon relates how he 



16 
17 


2. 
5. 
7. 
1. 


7; 3. 
1; 6. 

10; 8. 

2—2. 


5; 

B; 

4,14 

7. 


18 


1. 


2,3,4 


. 


19 


V. 


4. 




20 


1. 


5—2. 


7. 


21 


2. 


8-3. 


5. 


22 


2. 


8-14. 




23 


2. 


15. 




24 


2. 


16,17 




25 


3. 


1-5. 




26 


3. 


6-5. 


1. 


27 


o 


6-11. 




28 
29 


4. 
4. 


1-7. 
8-11. 




30 
31 
32 


4. 
4. 
5. 


12-15. 
16—5 
2-6. 


. 1. 
3. 



33 


5. 


2-6. 




34 


5. 


7. 




35 


5. 


8. 




36 


5. 


9. 




37 


5. 


10-16. 




38 


6. 


1. 




39 


6. 


2,3. 




40 


6. 


4—7. 


10. 



SONG OF SONGS. 163 

found his love under tlie apple tree. She asks to be set as a seal 
upon his heart.** Her brothers mockingly say that she is too young *4, g. 6, 7. 
to know the mystery of love.*^ But she assents and Solomon shall be *5 g. 8-io. 
the owner of her heart. The escort is heard coming to lead back the 
king and queen, and thus this sweet idyl, rich in Eastern imagery, ends. 
A Type of Christ and the Church. — This love story has its 
natural value. It is to glorify human affection. It points to the 
simplicity, purity, and sanctity of marriage. It is a vindication of 
the love of one for one by a king, who became so polygamous. But 
this natural story portrays a higher love. The love of the king is a 
type of the love of God for His people. This is fulfilled in the love 
of Christ for the Church. The prophets tell of this love,*® and 46 hos. c. 1-8 ; 

, n . 1. ' 1 ^r • ■, -r 1 it i EZCk. 16.15; 

know 01 its completion m the Messiah,*^ whose wedding hymn c. 23. 

^ "^ 47ls. 62. 4ff. 

Ps. 45 sings. John the Baptist,*^ and Christ*^ employ this picture, ^sjohns. 29. 

49 Matt. 9. 15. 
Paul enters into its depth,^'' and the Seer beholds the marriage of so 2 Oor. 11. 2 ; 

Eph 5. 25ff. 

the Lamb.^' This great and high mystery is not to be found by see- si Rev. 19. 7 ; 

ing an allegory in the Song of Songs, and fancifully interpreting 

every detail. Only the great central thoughts of the picture are 

to be applied. The lowliness of the bride, the glory of the King, 

the fidelity and tender love, the praise of the King's beauty, and the 

Bride, who shall have neither spot nor wrinkle,^'^ raised by the ^^Eph. 5. 27. 

King's love, are the spiritual elements fiilfilled in Jesus. 

Sumniary. — Pure love is the foundation of a blessed home. 
It must be faithful and constant. Then it mirrors the highest love 
of Christ to His Church. " From heaven Christ came and sought 
her to be His holy bride, with His own blood He bought her, and 
for her life He died." 



PRACTICAL LESSONS. . 

1. God's truth speaks purely of all human relations. 

2. Affection must be sincere and constant. 

3. Marriage is the covenant of one man and one wife. 

4. The love of man and wife points to the eternal love of Christ 

for His Church. 

5. This bride, won by the Saviour's blood, shall gloriously reign 

with Him. 



ISAIAH. 



CHAPTER XLI. 

The Later Prophets.— With this book begins the series, 
called by the Hebrews the later prophets. It extends through Malachi : 
only the Lamentations of Jeremiah and Daniel are excepted. These 
writings are named " later " because of their place in the Old Testa- 
ment. They are to be distinguished from the historical-prophetic ^ 
books, because they exhibit the prophet's prime work, viz., as a 
directly called preacher of God, to make known what God tells him. 
The Spirit moved the prophets to record their messages. The greatest in 
importance, and the pre-eminent in power are Isaiah, Jeremiah and 
Ezekiel, who are called the greater prophets. 

Isaiah. — The order of the prophets is not chronological, f but 
opens with the mightiest representative, Isaiah, the son of Amoz, 
whose name^ (Jehovah is salvation) is characteristic of his work. 
1 1. 1 ; 6. 1. He prophesied from the death of Uzziah ^ to about the fifteenth year of 
a 36. 1. Hezekiah,^ from about 740-701 B, c. In style he is supreme. He 

views language with the eye of an artist. Wonderful wealth and 
brilliancy of imagination blossom into magnificent pictures. Even 
the homeliest scenes are made beautiful by his touch. The power 
of the sacred orator is combined with the music of the poet. With 
all these gifts there is a plainness of thought and style, a nobleness 
and rapidity of movement, which show high culture. From chapter 
40 onward there is a marked difference of style. This part is as finished 



* See Joshua. 



t In order of time the prophets follow thus : Obadiah, Joel, Jonah, Amos, 
Hosea, Isaiah, Micah, Nahum, Habakkuk, Zephaniah, Jeremiah, Ezekiel, 
Haggai, Zechariah, Malachi. 

164 



* ab. 734 B. c. 



ISAIAH. 165 

as the whole book, but the rugged force of chapters 1-39 has given way 
TO flowing and tender gentleness.* 

Pour Great Events. — Isaiah's prophesies, showing the two 
great parts, 1-39 and 40-66, indicate a chronological thread,' but are ^ ^^' y .^* ^' 
not strictly thus classified. Their origin was influenced by four 20. i; 36.1. 
great events. The first was the war of Eezin of Syria and Pekah of 
Israel against Judah.* This aroused the secure and worldly 
Judeans, who, in the prosperous reign of Uzziah, had given them- 
selves to wealth, oppression of the poor, enjoyment, and luxury.^ 5*. n, i2,22; 

The second event was the fall of Samaria.® It demonstrated the 32*. 9. 

6 ab. 722 B. c. 
power of Assyria, under which Judah lay from about 734-705. The 

third event was the throwing off of the Assyrian yoke in Sennach- 
erib's time by Hezekiah. Finally Hezekiah's friendliness to the 
Babylonians was the foreshadowing of Babylonian power. ^ 

Six Groups of Prophecies. — These events mark six groups 
of Isaiah's announcements. The first,f before the Syrian-Israelitish 
war, contains warnings against great sins, and points to the com- 



*This peculiarity, combined withia largely diflFerent vocabulary, express- 
ing a spirit of comfort in contrast with the mighty threats of chapters 1-39, 
and the presupposed conditions and surroundings, which seem to fit into 
the exile, have moved many to assign chapters 40-66 to a great unknown 
prophet of the exile, who is called a second Isaiah (Deutero-Isaiah). But 
the diflTerence of style and vocabulary may be accounted for by the change 
of subject. A master of style and language like Isaiah cannot be mechan- 
ically measured. He can, through God's Spirit, comfort as well as judge. 
There occur, too, many words alike in all of Isaiah. God is, in the whole 
book, " The Holy One of Israel." Many thoughts of judgment and comfort 
are found everywhere, e. g., God abhors heartless worship ; s He regards the 
lowly soul ; 9 He overrules human pride and violence ; lo Israel must be 
chastised, the land forsaken, spiritual deafness and blindness come to 
Israel ;Jii a remnant will be converted; 12 Godwin heal and save Israel, is 
etc. 

How improbable it is, that this prophecy, so high, deep and broad, 

should have been written by an unknown prophet. The life of a later 

age may also be foreseen in minor matters, because the prophets 

spoke through the Spirit of God, who foresees all things. But if a 

prophet must give evidence of his surroundings, how can the exile account 

for the ease and fam^iliarity with which scenes of Palestine, like tbe glory 

of Lebanon, the flocks of Sharon, the herds of the vale of Achor, the sea and 14 5g". 

the islands, the ships of Tarshish, etc., are spoken of. And could the cap- ^543. 23; 

tive Jews observe the day of Atonement, 1* offer sacrifices and incense, is cn 1 il 13. 

oppress their countrymen? 16 Did they then still strongly hold to idols, i7 le 58. 3*jf. * 

worship on naountain-tops, is and sacrifice children by the rivers ? is it 5 7. 3 ff. 

18 5 7.7. 
1 6, 2-5, 9, 10. These groups are indicated broadly, not with minuteness. 19 5 7, 6. 



7 36-39. 


8 1. 


11,13; 


66. 


8. 


9 6. 


5ff. ; 


57. 


,15; 


66. 


2. 


10 10. 


5,7; 


37. 


26; 


47. 


6; 


54. 


16. 


11 1. 


2,5; 


6. 


12; 


17. 


9; 


2 7. 


10; 


29. 


18; 


31. 


1,2; 


32. 


3,14: 


35. 


5; 


42. 


7,18; 


49. 


14; 


54. 


6,7; 


62. 


4,12; 


63. 


8,10. 


12 1. 


27: 


4. 


2,3; 


10. 


20,22; 


37. 


81, 32 ; 


48. 


10; 


59. 


20; 


65. 


8,9. 


13 1. 


5,6; 


35. 


4; 


40. 


,10; 


53. 


4; 


57. 


18, 19. 



166 BIBLE LITEEATURE. 

ing disaster. The second * was immediately after the war, and 
advised against alliance with Assyria. But Judah heard not, nor 
believed that God was with it. The third, f in the later days of 
Ahaz and the first years of Hezekiah, counsels Israel to submit to 
Assyria in view of the fall of Samaria, and fears the attack upon the 
Holy City. The fourth J opposes alliance with Egypt, sees the great 
invasion of Sennacherib coming, and yet hopes. The fifth ^ tells that 
the invasion took place, but God delivered Jerusalem. Then in view 
of the rise of Babylon comes the fullest announcement of its power, 
but God sends comfort for the future.^ 

The Purpose of the whole book is to show Israel its sin and to 
announce God's judgment; to warn against alliance with world- 
powers, foretell their destruction, and proclaim God's deliverance of 

20 1. His people. The introduction ^"^ shows the depth of Israel's corruption, 

21 2-5. This corruption in its various forms contradicts Israel's real destiny.^^ 

Therefore it must be punished, and Isaiah is appointed prophet of 
judgment by the Holy One. But there shall be hopeless destruction.^^ 

22 6. The reason why judgment must come is unfolded, and it is near. But 

by Emmanuel "s power a remnant shall be saved and brought to a glori- 

23 7-12. ous kingdom of grace.^^ The power of the world, in all its represent- 
24 13-23. atives, shall fall, but the penitent shall be saved.^* The full judgment 

25 24-2 7. of the world-powers is Israel's time of salvation.^^ Israel, punished 

and penitent, will come from death to life. The trials and the great 

26 28-35. deliverance are a promise of final help ^^ Sennacherib's attack and 

God's deliverance are an earnest of the prophecyof judgment, which 

27 36, 3 7. shall come in the Babylonian captivity and of grace.^'' Hezekiah's sin 

points to this judgment from Babylon. It shall do what Assyria failed 
P8 38, 39. i^- Israel must go to Babylon.^^ 

Now Isaiah looks into the far future. He sees separately and 

yet wonderfully interwoven three great stages of deliverance: first 

40-48. from outward bondage by Cyrus,^^ secondly from sin by the servant 



*7,8, 11, 12. 

1 13-27, exclusive of 14. 4-23 which belongs to the first group. 

% 28-35. 

g 86-39 ; probably chap. 1 added as an introduction. 

U 40-66. 



ISAIAH. 167 

of Jehovah,'® finally from all evil to eternal glory by Jehovah, the ^o 49-5 7. 

31 58-66. 

Lord of glory." '^ 2-2U; 

° •' 81.7; 

Its Teaching. — Isaiah has a deep and universal grasp of truth. ^O. 12, 22, 23, 

God is exalted, the incompm^able Creator, before whom all idols ^^* |' 2| ff- ; 

are the vain works of man's hands.'^ He is absolutely above the ^^* g ^' [2 

world as the Holy One.^^ He has a mighty work and plan to carry out ^q i^ff!^b^ 6* 

in the world, and He foresees the future.'* His purpose is to esfab- 48.7'; 

lish righteousness.^^ Israel is sinful,'^ and must, though God's servant q^[ 17 ff. 

and child, be rejected, as it forsook Him." But faith will uphold the 4i.'i4,i6,20; 

remnant.'^ Through trials and by judgments will God help. As the 45! li; ' 

4:7. 4 etc. 

Eighteous One toward His people, He will be the saving Redeemer, ^^ 34 5!i2: 

10.12; 

of deep love and tenderness.*'' 14. 24 ; 

^ 20. 11 ; 

The Messiah Foretold. — All truth tends toward the Messiah, 28. 21 ; 

41.4,9,22; 

In historical references not fully accomplished in their first fulfill- ^?*J9'#^*^- 

•^ ^ 35 41.10,26; 

ment and pointing beyond themselves, or in direct outlook, the glory ^2. 6 ; 

of Zion to come*^ is seen in its King. He shall come out of the ^® i's^jg- 

dried root of the house of David, yet a King, the son of a virgin ; 37 ^' g'. 2. e- 

Immanuel, the Wonderful, Counsellor, Mighty God, eternal Prince of 42! id^"*"^' 

Peace.*^ In Him shall be gathered up all prophecies of Israel's ser- 44] i^g-. ; 

vice, for He is the Servant,*^ despised, rejected by Israel, under God's 49] 1*5 ; ' ' 

wrath, as He bears the sin of men, and brings salvation and life, ss 7) 9'; 

2 8 16 ' 

Through Him will come true deliverance to Israel.** In part this 30*. 15 • 

help is still seen in pictures of outward glory.*^ But the hope is 3941*. 14; 

, ^ 43. Iff., 11; 

spiritual, and universal, for the Gentiles shall also come in.*^ And 44. 6. 22 ff. ; 

' 45.15,21; 

the end is the new heavens and the new earth.*'^ No other prophet 49. 26. 

^ ^ *0 40. 11; 

has such fulness of hope. Isaiah is truly the evangelist of the Old 54. 8 ; 

66. 13. 

Testament. He is the prophet of the Christ. ^ 9* i 5 • 

Suinniary. — Isaiah speaks mightily of God's supremacy, right- 32* 1 ff ' 

eousness and holiness in the government of the world- By grace God *^ *9* } J i 

chose Israel. The powers of the world will not prevail. Because of sin 52] 13?^^ 3. 

Israel will be rejected for a time, but a remnant will be saved. Its sal- ** 02! 2; 6^^ 24.' 

vation, which shall be to all men a light, is effected by the poor, 60.* 5,* 9, Is ; 

despised, suffering Son of a virgin; but yet the true David, God, 46 42! 4'; 

eternal, mighty, helping, removing sin and death, and bringing peace 60! 2;'66. 19. 

*7 66 .22. 
and life, which is glory evermore. 



168 BIBLE LITERATURE. 

PRACTICAL LESSONS. 

1. God is the only Lord. 

2. He is the absolute Holy One. 

3. He governs the world. 

4. All that oppose Him must fall. 

5. By righteousness He punishes His disobedient people; by 
righteousness He saves it. 

6. Salvation comes in the suffering and triumphant Servant, 
victorious, glorious God. 

7. The Gentiles shall also come to the Light. 

8. By faith alone shall men stand. 



JEREMIAH-LAMENTATIONS. 



CHAPTEE XLII. 

JEREMIAH. 

The Second Great Prophet, Jeremiah, whose name ^the 
Lord casts away) indicates his work/ was the son of a priest, ^ 15. l. 
Hilkiah.* Born in Anathoth of Benjamin, he began to prophesy in 
the thirteenth year of Josiah (about 626 b. c), and continued for 
forty years. He upheld Josiah in his resistance against Necho of 
Egypt, until the king fell in the great battle of Megiddo (609). But 
Jeremiah from the first saw the final danger coming from the north, 
foretold the exile,^ and called the people to repentance.^ When in 2 1. g ; 

4. 5, 13, 

605, at the battle of Carshemish, Nebuchadnezzar triumphed over 27 ff. ; 

5 . 15 ff. ; 
Egypt, Jeremiah told the beginning of the seventy years' exile,* from 6. 22 ff. 

3 6. 16 \ 

which Israel would return.^ Jehoiakim, then in the fourth year of , ^ !• ^ ^ 

' *^ * 25. 11 ff. 

his reign, repudiated this message with murderous hate. But God's ^ll'eff-' 
answer was the taking of Jerusalem by Nebuchadnezzar. After ^^* ^^' 
three years Jehoiakim rebelled and fell in battle. Soon after 594 
Jehoiachin, with many nobles, was deported to Babylon. Zedekiah 
was then allowed to reign. The princes sought an alliance with 
Egypt to cast off the Babylonian yoke. All warnings of Jeremiah 
not to do this were rejected, and he was branded as unpatriotic, was 
hated and persecuted. Then came the final attack of Nebuchadnez- 
zar, and the fall of Jerusalem (586). With those who were left in 
Judaea, Jeremiah was permitted to remain. After the governor 
Gedaliah had been murdered, the restless Jews fled to Egypt. 
Jeremiah, treated friendly by Babylon, was allowed to follow. In 
Egypt, where the last warnings were given, Jeremiah died, persecuted 
to the last. 



* This is not the Hilklah of 2 Kings 22. 



170 BIBLE LITERATURE. 

The Date of His Prophecies. — In his long activity Jere- 
miah first collected his messages in the fourth year of Jehoiakim, 
This collection, which contained the substance of 1-3. 5 ; 3. 6-Q. 25 ; 46. 
1-49. 33, and prophecies essentially similar to chapters 7-12, 35, 21-23, 
«36. 20 ff was burned by the king.^ But Jeremiah freely reproduced it, prob- 
ably adding ch. 30, 31, 50, 51. The messages of the present book were 
probably uttered : the first six chapters in the time of Josiah ; ch. 7-12 
in the time of Jehoiakim ; ch. 13-20 under Jehoiachin. Ch. 21-25, 
against the false shepherds, belong to various periods. Ch. 26-29, 
against the false prophets, are from the reign of Jehoiakim and the 
early years of Zedekiah, while ch. 30-33, the book of restoration^ con- 

7 12.1; tains messages from the end of Zedekiah's reign. Ch. 34-38 are again 

8 20.* 7. ' from the time of Jehoiakim and Zedekiah ; ch. 39-45, after the 

10 1*. 10* 18. destruction of Jerusalem ; ch. 46-51, from the fourth year of Jehoia- 
1115,16,17, 

18 ; kim and of Zedekiah. Ch. 52 is an addition, perhaps made by Baruch, 

17.18; yi- i^ J > 

20. 2, 7 ff. who was the scribe of Jeremiah. 
12 1.18; 
15.20. The Style of these prophecies does not rise to the power and 

oo*oq' ^^^ ^^ Isaiah. There is a certain monotony and homeliness in 

^* 2 1*12' Jeremiah, who often repeats himself,''^ and uses the same images f 

^^ e'M- and phrases. J The truth is set forth in a succession of illustrations, 

22*23- beautiful, but not finished, and interrupted by constant comment. 

16 7. 13 25 • ^^^ i^ ^^1 there is a deep undertone of sorrow and of beseeching sweet- 

11 7 * 

25] 3/4; ness. Yielding hopelessness combines with great firmness. The 
29! 19; style shows the prophet. He almost desponds over against the false 

44! 4. ' ' prophets,'' who prosper, while in his case the word of God becomes a 

17 24. 8; 

29.17. mark of reproach.^ He had to contend, strive and be cursed ^ A high 

18 3. 17; 

7. 24 ; promise of power ^^ had led him to expect hearing ears. But he is 

11! 8; mightily disappointed and deeply despondent, for he is persecuted in 

lo. lu ; 

16. 12 ; his work, and even God seems to deceive him." And yet this sensitive, 

23. 17. ' J 1 

19 4. 4 ; 

21.12; 

23 2 22 ' 

26*. 3'; ' * e. g., 2. 28 in 11. 13 ; 5. 9, in 5. 29 and 9. 9 ; 6. 13 ff. in 8. 10 ff. ; 7. 14 in 2G. 6, 

44. 22. 11. 20 in 20. 12 ; 15. 2 in 43. 11 ; 16. 14, 15 in 23. 7, 8 ; 17. 25 in 22. 4, etc. 

20 14, 12; » ) > » 

15.2; fBrasen wall, 12 turned the back, 13 fury that burns like fire, i^^ th« 

2^* 7 . ' travailing women, is rising up early, I6 figs too bad to eat, i7 etc. 

27! 13 etc. t^- 9'f Walking in the imagination of an evil heart; is evil of youi 

doings ; i9 men dying in siege by the sword, pestilence and famine, 20 etc. 



JEREMIAH— LAMENTATIONS. 171 

desponding, complaining prophet is made strong in execution, and 

never fails to stand like a brazen wall.^^ ^^ -^|* ^^» 

The Purpose. — Jeremiah or Baruch gathered up the messages, 
so far apart in time, to show how Israel shall be rejected, hut again 
restored by God's chastisement. After an introduction to the whole 
book,^^ the prophet receives his call.^^ He is sanctified to announce \l !• ^^fg^ 
judgment, coming as ripe fruit, seething as out of a cauldron. His 
work is severe, but God will protect him. 

The Causes of Israel's Rejection ^^ are its unfaithfulness to ^* 2-17. 
the faithful God; ^^ and its impenitence, though God calls,^^ sends His H ^iIt^^^' 
judgment," disregards the boast of formal religion,^^ and will suspend 28 7— 1(?.' 
the covenant that is broken.^^ God's purpose is unalterable. He is ^® ^^' 
now Israel's enemy,^*' casts it away,^^ accepts no intercession,^^ cannot 31 ^q\ 
even spare His prophet great trial, ^^ will take Israel from its land,^* 15] 9~ 
and requite according to deeds done.^^ le! 9. 

34 16.10— 

The reiection is sealed. ^^ As a potter breaks his vessels, so will 17. 4. 

"^ 35 17.5-27. 

God deal with Israel. 36 is, 19. 

The Rejection is Carried Out.^ — The leaders, priests, kings, ^'' 20-25. 
prophets,^^ and the whole people ^^ are cast away. But there I9 |2l29i 
is hope of restoration and return of God's people.*** Yet this *** 30-33. 
comes only later. The attempt to bring to repentance now is 
thwarted, by present disobedience against God's law," against the *^ ^^' '"^* 
word of prophecy,*^ and against the counsel of the prophet.*^ There % If* 3^^ 
must follow conquest of the land,** and Israel's banishment. *5 But tt 40-45. 
the inimical nations shall receive their judgment.*® The prophecy ®*^~^ • 
of Jeremiah is being fulfilled.*^ 

The Teachings of this Book. — Jeremiah, who lives in the 
law,* and reverts to other prophets,f emphasizes necessary aspects of 

48 2 5 11 * 

the one truth. Sin is vividly painted as infidelity to God.*^ The 35! 14. ' 

human heart ought to lead to God, but it turns away,*^ for it is islis'ff. ' 

deeply wicked and stubborn.^'' Sin has become a hopeless habit,^i 5! 22 ; 

7. 24.' 
51 2.18; 

7.28; 

* c. gr., 6. 19 and Deut. 32. 1 ; 11. 1 ff. and Deut. 27. 26 ; 2. 20 and Lev. 26. 18 ; ^' \^.' ' 
7. 6 and Ex. 22. 20 ff. ; 20. 16 and Gen. 19. 24, 25 ; 32. 27 and Num. 16. 22, etc. 1 7! 9 ; ' 

18. 12. 
ie.g., 8. 7 and Is. 1. 3 ; 10. 11 and Is. 40. 12 ff. ; 2. 18 ; 9. 3 ff. and Mic. 7. 4 ff. 



172 BIBLE LITERATURE. 

52 5. 1; and this condition has spread to all.^^ Only God can help. He that 
8. 6, 10. r J r 

53 11,20; searcheth the heart,^^ must give a new heart.^* In Him then should 
17.10; ' ^ 

54 15' 7^-' ^^^ glory and trust.^^ He shall also restore His backsliding 

53*^9:24;^* people.56 

56 ^3' 14^21 22 '^^® restoration points to the Messiah. He is the righteous 

^'^oo'L^' branch, the King, Jehovah, our righteousness.^^ All salvation shall 

58 30. 9, 21. come in Him, the true David.^^ He will bring the new covenant of 

59 31. 81 ff. inward life.53 

Summary. — With wonderful tenderness and yet unmoved 
earnestness Israel is shown its sin. Its faithlessness and impeni- 
tence is deep. The individual heart is wicked and perverse. A 
mighty rejection must come, for none will hear. But after the 
chastisement God will bring back His people. But the true return 
will be when a new heart is implanted in each one. Then will come 
the new covenant in the son of David, the Righteous One, who is 
God, our righteousness. 



PRACTICAL LESSONS. 

1. Sin will cause rejection by God. 

2. It is faithlessness and wicked perverseness. 

3. Impenitence hardens the sinner. 

4. All sin comes from the old, unregenerate heart. 

5. God alone can give a new heart. 

6. This inward change is the aim of God's restoration of Israe^. 

7. It comes in the new covenant of Jesus, true son of David and 

true God, the healing righteousness. 



LAMENTATIONS. 

Characteristics. — This poetical book contains songs of mourn- 
ing. (Hebrew, kinah.) In five elegies, which are constructed alpha- 
betically, occur measures of which each verse-member is divided into 
two unequal parts. The second is the shorter, and the proportion is 
about 3 to 2. This causes a sad, falling cadence, and together with ''V.e 



JEREMIAH— LAMENTATIONS. 173 

constant "How long," marks ancient Hebrew dirges.* The author 
is Jeremiah,^*' and though there is some change of diction from the ^^ ^ ^^^* ^^* ^' 
prophecies, yet on the whole there is the same monotone and homeli- 
ness of style, the same succession of pictures, and the same spirit. 
The virgin-daughter Zion is sitting in misery.^^ Fear and terror are ^^ 2* is- 
on every side.®^ Deeply the prophet mourns,®^ for great evils are the 62^2^.22;^^ 
sins of the false leaders, prophets and priests.^* God will surely ^q^'^' ' 
judge,^^ but let not the nations exult, for they too shall be punished.^^ 2.* 11 ; 

3 48 49' 

Contents. — Jeremiah sings the plaintive song of Jerusalem's jer. 9.'i ; is, 

17 • 14. 17. 

destruction and Judah's fall. The first elegy ^^ paints the miseries e* 2'. 14*; 

4z. 13 ' 

of hunger, death in battle, profanation and plundering of the temple, jer. 5, 30, 31 1 

and the woes of the exile. The second ^^ tells of the same sufferings 65 3. 64 ff. ; 

Jer 11 20 
more intensely, and emphasizes the sins and the faithlessness of the 66 4.'2i; 

prophets, for all of which God's wrath has come. The third ®^ enters e? 1.' 

68 2. 

upon the severe inner questionings of the pious, why God has chas- 69 3. 
tised His own. But there is a hope of mercy. The fourth ^^ again '^^ 4:. 
shows that misfortune is the punishment for sin, and the fifth "^^ prays '^^ ^« 
for restoration and grace, that the reproach may be taken away and 
Israel be God's people as of old. 

There is deep consciousness of sin, direct accusation of wicked 
leaders, a strong call to repentance, combined with the problem, why 
God's own must drink so deeply of the cup of suffering. Still there is 
hope. 

The wretchedness and sorrow point to the great sufferer''^ to 72cp.i.i2. 
come, who bore the chastisement of sin, and solved the problem of 
the trials of God's trusting people. 



PRACTICAL LESSONS. 

1. For the wicked suffering is punishment of sin. 

2. The righteous under outward ills are burdened, but do not 
despair. 

3. The answer is found in Jesus, who bore sins to atone for sin. 

4. No misery deprives the believing soul of hope. 



* 2 Sam. 1. 17 ff. ; 3. 33 ff ; Amos 5. 1 ff ; Jer. 7. 29 ; 9. 9, 17 ; Ez. 19. 1 ff. ; 26. 17; 87. 2. 



EZEKIEL. 



CHAPTER XLIII. 

Author and Style. — Ezekiel, son of Buzi, was a priest of 

priestly descent. With Jehoiachin and many nobles he went into 

12 Kings 24. the Babylonian exile (after 597).^ There he came to possess a house ^ 

I ?*?1'o^Tr^' ^* Tell-Abib,^ near the river Chebar. This house was the gather- 

* 8. 1 ; ing-place for the exiles/ and to them especially Ezekiel prophesied. 

IX. 25 ', 

14. i;20. 1; Having been called in the fifth year of Jehoiachin's deportation, 
33. 81 flf. his activity continued for twenty-two years, until the twenty-seventh 
5 29. 17. year of the captivity.^ The style of Ezekiel is polished and gran- 

diose, but less elevated than that of earlier prophets. Yet at times 
he does rise to splendid poetry. Large and striking pictures are 
drawn, but they are very fiilly and minutely elaborated. Certain 
expressions * frequently recur. The language is late and less cor- 
rect. A remarkable feature of Ezekiel is his wealth of visions, 
^e. g., l»iS. symbolical figures* and actions. The latter, which are found with 
7 1 Kings 22. Zedekiah,^ Isaiah,^ and Jeremiah,® may at times have been carried 

^ T^' ^in in. out.^" But the actions necessary in 4. 5ff; 5. 1 ff; 12. 18 ff. seem im- 
° J6r. ly. 10 1 

oa'o'm. possible, and Ezekiel indicates that the actions Avere imagined and 

io37^\?ff- spoken in parables.^^ In his phantasy the prophet passed through 

11 24* 3^ft^- *^® experiences he related. 

cp. 20. 49.1 ipjjQ Order of the Prophecies. — The prophecies follow each 

other quite chronologically. Those in chapters 1-24 were spoken 

before the destruction of Jerusalem ; chapters 1-7 in the fifth year of 

Jehoiachin's captivity, chapters 8-19 in the sixth, chapters 20-23 in 



*"Son of man" (from 2. 1 almost one hundred times) ; "idols" (from 
6. 4, thirty-nine times); "the mountains of Israel" (from 6. 2, fourteen 
times); "stumbling-block of iniquity" (7. 19; 14. 3, 4, etc.); "rebellious 
house" (from 2. 5, fifteen times); "the day is come, when iniquity shall 
have an end" (21. 25, etc.) ; " the hand of the Lord was upon me" (1. 8 ; 3. 22; 
37. 1 ; 40. 1) ; " the Lord God " (from 2. 4, very often) ; " I the Lord have spoken 
it " (5. 13, etc.) ; " and (ye) shall know that I am the Lord " (6. 7. often.) 

174 



EZEKIEL. 175 

the seventh, chapter 24 in the ninth. Then followed a period of 
silence for Israel. In this were given some of the messages against 
the nations,^^ which cover, however, the whole later time. In 1225-32. 
Jehoiachin's ninth year of captivity chapter 25 was proclaimed, 
in the eleventh, chapters 26-28 ; in the tenth, chapter 29. 1-16 ; in 
the twenty-seventh, chapters 29. 17 — 30. 19 ; in the eleventh, chapter 
30. 20 ff. ; in the eleventh, chapter 31 ; in the twelfth, chapter 32. Then 
follow the messages to Israel after the fall of Jerusalem.^^ Chapters ^^ 33-48. 
33, 34 were pronounced in the twelfth year of Jehoiachin's cap- 
tivity ; chapters 35-39 in a year between the twelfth and twenty-fifth 
year ; chapters 40-48 in the twenty-fifth year. 

The Purpose of Ezekiel is to announce the coming judgment 
that calls to repentance. Yet God is still Israel's as the nations 
shall learn. And Israel shall return to life. 

The Introduction^* unfolds Ezekiel's call. He sees in a 1*1-3.21. 
vision God's omnipresent, living providence and majesty as Judge 
and Kedeemer. First, judgment must be proclaimed to Israel. The 
prophet must receive and make known God's will of judgment, as 
shown in the eating of the bitter roll. In this Jehovah will strengthen 
him, and he is set as responsible watchman over Israel. 

A Call to Repentance.— The judgment of Jerusalem is a 
call of repentance to the exiles.^^ Jerusalem and its temple shall 's 3.22-27. 
fall.^® Yet Israel will remain in unbelieving security. It expects a is 4.1—11. 
quick passing over of present suffering.^'^ In this wrong hope false 1712. 
prophets confirm, it.^^ Consequently it does not thoroughly recognize 1^ 13. 
its sin and guilt, while God is putting its wrong before His eyes.'^ i» 14. 
Divine election is boasted of, and Israel forgets its un worthiness.^" 20 15, le. 
It relies upon human strength and fails to see the way of divine 
righteousness.^^ Therefore, judgment for sin must come to awaken 2117-19. 
repentance,^^ and the prophet shows symbolically the destruction of ^^ 20-23. 
Jerusalem.^^ ^^ 24. 

The nations 2* which triumph over Israel, shall yet learn to their 24 25-32. 
destruction, that Israel's God is the true God of the whole world. 

Israel's Restoration Promised. — Israel shall rise again 
from the dead.^^ Israel shall be restored by the mighty glory of 25 33-48, 



176 BIBLE LITERATURE. 

Jehovah. Ezekiel, the responsible watchman, after silence again 
speaks. He speaks to the unrepentant in distant Canaan, and to the 

26 33. disobedient in Babylon. They shall learn that he is a prophet.^* 

There are many false shepherds, but God will raise up the other 

27 34. David to peaceful shepherdhood." Edom, the old enemy, shall be 

eternally cursed, but Israel shall be inwardly renewed by God's Spirit, 

28 35,36. and its land shall blossom.^^ Like the rising of dead bones shall it 

arise to one kingdom under one king. Peace shall reign under the 
^®37. second David.^* Another attack shall come from Gog of the land of 

Magog in the north. But the Lord will prevail over the enemies. 
30 38, 39. And Israel sold for its sin under other people, is now pardoned.^" 
3140-48. A mighty vision ^^ symbolically paints the new temple. This 

picture in Old Testament form is finally the prophecy of the end of 

all things and of the new world to come. Its beginnings are seen in 

32 1.26. the spiritual Israel of the New Testament. 

83 20. 83. ^ 

^* J'|2: His Description of God. — Most vividly does Ezekiel portray 

\^'li 24 ^^^ ^^ ^ personality with all the powers of personal being. In 

36 8* 18 human symbols God is seen as man,^^ with mighty hand and out- 

38 Hi 7^' stretched arm,^^ a face,^* a mouth,^^ eyes and ears.^^ From His 

?.* I' 9^27^ " nostrils fury arises,^' and the temple is the place of the soles of His 

12! 15', etc. feet.^^ But though so near, God is mightily exalted. All shall 

33.* 10'; ' "know that He is the Lord." ^^ He is the unchangeable and 

33. 1 ff. 
*i25*ff. eternal. His righteousness will appear everywhere among men.*" 

*2 20. 41; 

28. 22, 25: He is carrying out His plan in history. While, therefore, He regards 

38! 16; all," He has special relations to Israel. In them will "He be sanc- 

39.27. 

43 20. 42; tified" (i. e., show His holiness) among men.*^ For His holy name's 

36. 11 ; 
37, sake will He redeem Israel,*^ that His name be not profaned among 

** §6. 21, 23 ; the heathen.** Israel is deeply tainted with sin from its beginning.*^ 

*^ 20*24'- ^^^ ^^^ ®^®^ spoken to this people, but they abandoned Him.*^ 

46 20* 5 ^' Terrible was their idolatry.*"' But God will show mercy, forgive, and 

*7 ^8.* 14 16- Si^''® lif® to t^® repentant.*^ A new spirit. His Spirit will He send.*^ 

23! 8 17 20, Ezekiel so strongly emphasizes the Spirit, that he is the prophet of the 

*8 16. 6, ; 37. Spirit. To him not only the people are a moral unity, but the indi- 
49 11 19 • 

36*. 26,' 27; vidual is separately responsible. Not inheritance, but the sin and 

80 18! 31! righteousness of each soul determines its place.^" 



EZEKIEL. 177 

The Hope of the Messiah. — The highest hope centres about 
the Messiah. He shall be like the implanted lofty top of the cedar, ^^ si 1 7. 22 ff. 
and shall come to help.^^ He will appear as the second David, true, =2 21. 27. 
eternal prince and shepherd of His people.^^ Everlasting peace shall ^^ ^4. 23 ff. ; 
He bring, and all blessing. 

Summary. — Ezekiel powerfiilly shows the depth of Israel's sins, 
its perverse idolatry and wickedness. He presses home personal 
accountability. God must and will justly punish. Israel's home shall 
be desolate. But in mercy God will show His power, to glorify His 
name by redeeming His own. The enemies of His people shall fall, 
but Israel shall be raised from the dead, and at the end there will be 
restitution. The hope of Israel is the second David, their king and 
prince. This is Jesus, son of David, and eternal prince of peace. 



PRACTICAL LESSONS. 

1. The sinfal habit of Israel destroyed it. 

2. Every soul stands or falls by its own character. 

3. God is truly a person. 

4. He is exalted, and yet near to man. 

5. He will remain Lord and His name be exalted. 

6. He will save His own. 

7. Jesus is the second David, true King and Shepherd of souls. 
12 



DANIEL. 



CHAPTEE XLIV. 

Its Author. — The book of Daniel is not classified by tbe He- 
brews among the prophets. Daniel had received no direct call to 
prophecy. He had the gift, but not the office of a prophet, and was 
rather a receiver of revelations. These were not publicly uttered, 

I cp. the con- but bore a more private character.^ Daniel was of a noble family, and 
elusion 
12. 18. came to Babylon after the first taking of Jerusalem, in the third year 

1.1.6. of Jehoiakim.^ He was prepared for service at court, and received 

the Babylonian name Belteshazzar.^ Through his interpretation of 

Nebuchadnezzar's dream he became chief of the wise men. Under 

the Medes he was chief vizier,* and retained his high place also 

3 6. 1, 28 under Cyrus.^ The Jewish exiles too held him in high regard.® His 

lO. 11. -^ is o 

^ ^^i^^'u^t' ^^' existence and his writing of this book are denied by some,^ but with- 



2 



1.7. 



* 6. 1. 



*Many scholars assign Daniel to the time of Antiochus Epiphanes. 
Some of the main reasons named are : (1) Linguistic. Greek words occur. 
Persian terms are found which imply greater familiarity with this tongue 
than Daniel could have had. The Aramaic is late "West Aramaic. (2) Inac- 
curacies of Babylonian words and history. The word Belshazzar is wrongly 
derived. Nebuchadnezzar is not the accurate form., a^ found, e. g., in Ezeliiel. 
It ought to be Nebukadrezzar. " Chaldeans " was never used at this time 
for magicians. Belshazzar was no son of Nebukadrezzar, He was the son 
of Nabunaid, a late usurper. Darius did not take Babylon, nor did he then 
exist. Nabunaid was in his seventeenth year conquered by Cyrus. And 
Gobryas, the general of Cyrus, took possession of Babylon. These facts 
are well established by Babylonian records. Consequently the book of 
Daniel is not the report of an eyewitness. (3) The exact references to the 
time of Antiochus in e. g., 7. 25 ff. ; Chap. 11, indicate things seen, but not fore- 
seen. Prophets foretell no such details. (4) The taking of Jerusalem in the 
third year of Jehoiakim is not found elsewhere, and is inconsistent with Jere- 
miah 3(5. 9. In reply it is to be noted : (1) That while the full Greek influence 
is later than Daniel, yet such individual terms as are used may have come 
earlier. There may have been intercourse sufficient to account for the few 
forms. Some intercourse may also have existed with Persia. Daniel, who 
under Cyrus was in high place, must certainly have known Persian. The 
Aramaic found in Daniel is that found later in western Semitic regions, but 
there is no convincing reason why it may not have obtained previouslj' in 
the East. There are not sufficient remnants of the language to allow any 
178 



DANIEL. 179 

out valid reason. The evidence of Daniel's authorsliip is found in the 

exact, new fact reported in 1. 1, the independent account of Bel- 

shazzar, the knowledge of Babylonian and Persian customs.* Darius 

and Cyrus are the latest names historically mentioned.f This book is 

also ascribed to Daniel by Christ,' and it has exercised a large influ- ''Matt. 24.15. 

ence on the New Testament X especially the Apocalypse. 

The Languag'e of Daniel is Aramaic from 2. 4-ch. 7, in the 
direct account of experiences, and Hebrew ch. 8-12 when visions are 
largely reported. The style, while not grammatically pure, is lofty, 
and full of the grandest pictures, which are only exceeded by the 
Revelation of St, John. Some of the prophecies are dated e. g. 8. 1 



29. 



final and positive assertions. (2) Bel&hazzar may have received the pop- 
ular etymology. History of language everywhere shows derivations and 
popular interpretations, which are not scientific, but they do not invalidate 
a word. Nebuchadnezzar is also found in Jeremiah,8 and in other exilic ^"^^'o^'^'* 
books. The historical difficulties occasioned by the present knowledge of 
the ancient monuments, may, as in other cases, in time be solved. Perhaps 
the custom of double names may allow us to find in Darius, Cyaxares II. 
An old Armenian chronicle tells of this Darius. Belshazzar may have been 
another name for Evil-Merodach, son of Nebuchadnezzar. The " Chaldeans " 
may have, in a secondary sense, begun to mean the select, wise men, the 
spiritual kernel of the people, long before we have record. (3) The exact 
references to the time of Antiochus are possible by the Spirit, even if such 
detailed references occurred nowhere else. But similar features are found 
in Messianic prophecies. Only their denial makes it possible to say, that it 
is not customary to give a detailed picture of the future. The second part 
of Isaiah has minute references. The importance of the time of Antiochus 
with its persecutions justifies this account. Further, all features are 
spoken of in the future. If they were not future when uttered, Daniel 
would contain an untruth. To claim that no feature points beyond the 
Greek time is wrong, in view of the fourth kingdom, which is most probably 
the Roman. Christ also interprets 11. 81 of the Roman power. (4) The mention 
of a taking of Jerusalem in Jehoiakim's third year, may complement other 
accounts. It is not necessarily contradictory. 9 

* The receiving of new names for court service; lo the sending of food 
from the royal kitchen ; 1 1 the command to make the houses of the magi- 
cians like dunghills ; 12 death by cutting into pieces ; is the casting into the 
lion's den with the Medes. 14. The clothing of Daniel's companions is is 
confirmed by Herodotus, the presence of wonaen in banquets by Xenophon. 
The account of the magicians, is is accurate, as is also the reference to the 
laws of the Medes and Persians. 17 

fThat in Ez. 14: 14, Daniel is put between Noah and Job does not deter- 
mine his time. 

X Matt. 24. 80 ; 25. 81 ; 26. 64 ; 1 Pet. 1. 10 ff. ; 2 Thess. 2. 3 ; 1 Cor. 6. 2 ; Heb. 
11. 33 ff. 



9 


cp. 


2 Kings 




24, 


1: 




2 Chr; 86. 6. 


10 


1 


7; 




cp. 


2 Kings 




24. 


17. 


11 


1 


5. 


12 


2 


5. 


13 


2 


5; 3. 2{ 


14 


6 


12. 


15 


3 


21. 


16 


2 


,5, 7. 


17 


6 


, 8, 13. 



180 BIBLE LITERATURE. 

in the third year of Belshazzar, 9. 1 in the first year of Darius, 10. 1 
in the third year of Cyrus. 

The Purpose of Daniel is to strengthen the faith in Jehovah, 
and to recount its victories in trials and persecutions. God shall have 
power over the kingdoms of the world, which must fall before the 
Son of Man, and His eternal kingdom. Daniel is the prophet of the 

19 "*^~?^ Kingdom. His book consists of history,^^ and visions.-^ 

The History. — Daniel, Hananiah, Mishael, Azariah, Jewish 
youths, are brought to the Babylonian court, educated there, and by 

20 1. the self-denial of faith greatly advance in wisdom and power. ^° 

Nebuchadnezzar has a dream of a mighty statue, destroyed by a stone. 
Daniel interprets this dream of four kingdoms : the Babylonian, 
Persian, Greek and Roman. The stone, uncut by human hands, 

21 2. which destroys them, is the Kingdom of Heaven.^^ Daniel's three 

friends for their fidelity to God pass through the fiery furnace, and 

22 3. their trust is rewarded.^^ Another dream comes to Nebuchadnezzar, 

which Daniel unfolds to him. It foreshadows Nebuchadnezzar's insan- 

23 4. ity and restoration.^^ The great festival of Belshazzar takes place, 

and his blasphemy of God. Then judgment is announced. Darius, 
24. 5. the Mede, gains the kingdom. ^^ Daniel, chief vizier, is cast into the 

lion's den for his prayer to God. But his deliverance exalts God's 
*5 6. name.^^ 

The Visions. — First vision. The four- world powers are seen in the 
pictures of the lion, the bear, the leopard, and the terrible beast with 
the ten horns. The Ancient of days conquers. One like the son of 
2« 7. man comes with victory.^^ The second vision. A mighty ram is seen 

with two horns (the Medo-Persian kingdom). It is overcome by a 
great goat (Alexander the Great). Out of the goat grow four horns 
(Alexander's four generals), and a blaspheming horn (Antiochus 

27 8. Epiphanes). But God marks the time of desolation.^'' The Third 

vision. Daniel, praying and fasting, making confession of sins for 
Israel, and seeking God, is shown by Gabriel the limit of seventy 
weeks. The time of the coming of the Messiah is indicated (about 

28 9. 490 years).^^ Fourth vision. God's glory and majesty appear at the 

river Hiddekel, and Daniel humbled by this sight is comforted by 



DANIEL. 181 

the angel Michael.^' Minutely the overthrow of Persian power by ^a lo. 
Greece is told, and the sad times of Antiochus Epiphanes are 
painted.^'' Israel is rescued after some trials. The time of trials is ^on, 
measured by God. The end, as life, looks far into the future to the 
final consummation.^^ ^^ 12. 

Its Teachingfs. — The book of Daniel shows God in history. 
It glorifies Him as the helper of those who trust in Him. By faith 
Israel will be helped.^^ God acts through His angels. Great among ^^ l-6> 12. 
these are Gabriel (strength of God) and Michael. There are ranks 
and principalities ; and certain angels are lords of nations. ^^ In the ^^ 8. lo ; 
hope to come there is a strong and clear expression of the resur- lO. is, 20,21; 
rection of all the dead, some to eternal life, some to eternal 
contempt. 3* s* 12. 2. 

The Messiah is seen as son of man,^^ full of glory, w^hose king- ^^ 7. 13. 
dom with its eternal power shall prevail over all dominion. All the 
kingdoms of the world shall be crushed,^^ and the blaspheming 36 2. 44 ff. 
opposer shall be destroyed." The time of the Messiah is known. ^Tii.soff. 
For a time He shall be cut ofi*, but He shall rule with everlasting 
righteousness.^^ ^^ 9* 2^. 26. 

Summary. — Daniel fully shows how God is with the faithful 
He guides the course of events, and protects His people against the 
powers of the world. The kingdoms of the world shall fall, but 
God's eternal kingdom shall stand. It shall come in God's determined 
time in the one like a son of man, full of glory, power and dominion. 



PRACTICAL LESSONS. 

1. God rescues those who trust in Him. 

2. Fidelity to God brings true temporal gain. 

3. God measures the time of trials. 

4. All kingdoms of the world shall pass away. 

5. God's kingdom alone is eternal. 

6. It shall rule over all. 

7. The Son of man is the everlasting Lord. 

8. There is a resurrection for just and unjust. 



HOSEA. 



CHAPTEE XLV. 

The Minor Prophets begin with Hosea. The twelve remain- 
ing books of the Old Testament, are named Minor on account of their 
shortness. Those from Hosea to Nahum cover the time previous to 
and during the Assyrian rule but are not arranged chronologically * 
Then follow Habakkuk and Zephaniah of the time of Josiah, and 
the post-exilic prophets, Haggai, Zechariah and Malachi. 

1 1. 1. Hosea (help, saviour) was the son of Beeri.^ He was married to 

2 1,3. Gomer, who became unfaithful to him.^ f Though God foretold this, 

the prophet was to learn in his life the lesson he would teach, that of 
the tender seeking of the lost. His children were living testimonies 
8 1. of Israel's destiny.^ Hosea prophesied from Uzziah to Hezekiah, 

about sixty-five years. He lived under Jeroboam II, and in the suc- 
ceeding times of unrest and degeneracy of the northern kingdom, and 
consequently until almost the destruction of Samaria. But many of 
the prophecies must have been uttered before 734, for Gilead is still 

4 6. 8 ; mentioned * In 733, when Tiglath-Pileser came against Pekah, the 

X2 11 

land east of the Jordan and consequently Gilead also, was taken from 
the kingdom of Ephraim. Hosea lived and prophesied for the north, 

5 1.2. for to him Israel is "the land," ^ its king is " our king," ^ and Jehu's 
8 7.5. 

7 1, 4. house is spoken against.'^ All the localities of the north are familiar 



* The approxiraate date of the minor prophets is : Obadiah under Jehoram 
of Judah (about 851-842) ; Joel under Joash (about 836-796) ; Jonah under 
Jeroboam IT (about 781-740) ; Amos under Jeroboam II and Uzziah of Judah 
(about 781-740) ; Hosea under Jeroboam II and Uzziah to Hezekiah of Judah 
(782-717) ; Micah under Jotham, Ahaz and Hezekiah (about 758-710) ; Nahum 
in Josiah's reign (about 664-620) ; Habakkuk under Manasseh or Josiah's 
early reign (about 650-620) ; Zephaniah under Josiah (626-621) ; Haggai about 
4;}8; Zechariah from 458 on; Malachi under Artaxerxes Longimanus (about 
433-424). 

t Many hold that the command 3. 1 is symbolical, and that Hosea was 
not married to such a woman. 

182 



HOSEA. 183 

to Hosea; Gilead and Tabor,« Gibeali,^ Gilgal/o Jezreel," Bethel/^ ^il'.ii.*^*^' 

Samaria," etc. The conditions of life also fit Ephraim : the neglect ^ -^q* |' ^* ^' 

and selfishness of the priests,^* the heathenish revelry at the feasts ^^ ^^ q| j|l 

of Baalim, the immoralities in high places,^^ the bloodshed and anarchy ^ ■*-|' I \ . 

after Jeroboam II." But Hosea is subsequent to Amos as appears from 12 4] 15"; 5. g 

XO 5 * X2 4 

comparing 8. 14 with Amos 2. 5 ; 4. 15 with Amos 5. 5 ; 4. 3 with Amos 13 7] 1 • g. 5 ;* 

XO 5 ' 

8. 8 ff. From the images which Hosea employs he appears to be a 13] le. 

14 4. 5 fF. • 

dweller of the country. He sees the activities of nature, the work 5.* 1 ; s. 11, 

15 2. 18; 9.1. 
in the fields, the flowers, the animals.* is 4, 13 ; 

,6. 10. 
The heart of Hosea is deeply moved ; his feeling is very tender it 7.7; 

and sympathetic. His language in part flows gently, but in the 

latter part of his book is obscure and rugged. Mighty truth and 

deep emotion are compressed into almost enigma-like sayings. 

Contents. — Hosea shows Israel's unfaithfulnesss to God's 
covenant, and announces the healing help of divine love. 

The first jpart^^ from Hosea's own experience tells how God is ^^ l-3» 
the husband of Israel. This truth is fundamental with Hosea. 
Hosea's wife Gomer, the daughter of Diblaim, untrue to him, stands 
for Israel. The children symbolize that there is great guilt of blood 
and that God will have no mercy, and that Israel shall not be His 19 2 Kings a 
people.^* They indicate God's judgment as living examples.^*' xo. ek 

20 12 8 

God unfolds the living parable of the house of Hosea. He will for 21 2! * 

22 3, 
a time reject to effect a blessed reunion.^^ The adulteress is put 23 41x4. 

24 4-XX. 

aside. Israel after exile shall be pardoned, when it humbly seeks 25 4-8. 

26 9-XX. 

its God and Messiah.^^ 27 X2. 

28 X3. 

The second part^^ contains some of the discourses of Hosea, 2914, 

30 6. 3. 
Their central theme is guilt and punishment. In the first series '* xo. 12. 

the deep moral corruption of all Israel, kings, priests and people, its ^2 xo. 7. 

33 X3. 15. 

calf- worship and other idolatry, its reliance upon Assyria,^^ and 35.^*^' 
therefore the necessity of punishment are announced.^^ The great ^^ 8. 7 ; 
guilt'^^ must bring punishment,^^ but after Israel returns to God ^^ ^^' ^ ' 

great salvation will arise.^^ H ^^' g 

*o 5! 14- 6.1; 

* e. g., Winter, early and late rain ; so morning cloud and dew ; 3i swollen X3. 7, 8. 

brooks ; 32 the hot wind ; 33 the stubborn cattle ; 34 the yoke ; 35 sowing, reap- ^^ 7* li . 
ing, threshing, etc. ; 36 vine and fig ; 37 poppy (hemlock) ; 38 nettles ; S9 lion, 9) n • 

panther, bear ; 40 wild ass ; <ti birds ; 42 11. 11. 



184 BIBLE LITERATURE. 

Israel's Sins. — Hosea's words are filled with tears and glow 

with mercy, even when he earnestly rebukes sin. Israel has become 

*3 4.1,6. untrue to God. Of Him there is no knowledge in the land.*=* 

False lords and false lovers is Israel worshipping, following the 

hire which the idols give her on all corn-floors, and forgetting her 

** |*f'l^» true lord.** She only returns to God,*^ when she seeks natural 

46 2*5- 9* i' bl^ssings.*^ Otherwise there is calf-worship, and other sinful heath- 

*^lo!5'-'l4. 2. ^^i^^ service;*^ and in this sin the priests aid.*^ They have adopted 

49 4|ii- Canaanitish images and abominations.*^ Against God lies are 
ll!2; spoken.^" Without God kings are raised and deposed,^^ who seek 

X2 7 * 

13.* 2,6. not the Lord ^^ Violence and lies are multiplied everywhere.^ 

50 7, 13 • 

11.12.' False swearing, stealing, murder, adultery are seen constantly.^* 

51 8. 4. 

52 7. 7. Upon the powers of the world ^^ does this faithless and treacherous 

53 11.7; 

12.1; people ^^ rely. 

5* 4. 2. God Seeks to Save. — God seeks goodness," and has no pleas- 

55 7. 11; 8.9; . . 

12. L ure in Israel's formal worship.^^ He is as He was since He brought 

58 %'% ^P Israel from Egypt, ever speaking by His prophets.^' But He 

^^13*4^''^^' scarcely knows what todo^" with this people filled with the spirit 

61 4*12 17- ^^ unfaithfulness.^^ But yet God is mercy and love. He loved 

62 11* il^' Israel as a child when He brought it from Egypt.^'^ He followed it 
®^ ''• 15 ; with love in its history.^^ He delights in the object of His love,^* 

«t rt* }^\ o and when He chastises He still loves.^^ He will restore Israel, 

65 2. 14 ; 3. ' 

66 2.15, 18 ff.; bless it outwardly, in nature and with everlasting peace.®* The 
14. 4. mercy of God is wonderfully deep and constant. His love forsakes 

not, but seeks the lost. 

In this announcement of love's victory Hosea looks also to the 
times of the Messiah. Then shall God show His mercy in an eternal 

67 2. 16, 19. covenant,®^ when nature and grace shall come to final harmony.®^ 

68 2. 23flF. 

cp. Rom. 8. Though this outlook is still through the medium of Israel and cen- 

^^ 3. 5. tres in its king David,*^ yet this second David is in fulfillment Christ, 

who has widened the hope of Israel, and raised the expectation of 

70 Is. 60. 1 flf. Hosea to the universality of Isaiah."^® The love of God is given to 

all in Christ. 

Summary. — Hosea has well shown the lesson of Israel's 
infidelity to God. It sought idolatry with all abominations. Self- 



HOSEA. 185 

khly it wanted God only for His gifts in nature. The corruption of 
its worship made its life immoral. The state was insecure ; impurity, 
lying and murder prevailed. But God, faithful and true to His cov- 
enant, ever sought His people. His love changed not. His mercy 
would send the great Deliverer and Helper, Christ. 



PRACTICAL LESSONS. 

1. Wrong worship begets wrong life. 

2. God is not to be sought, for what He gives in outward life. 

3. The idols of nature make men immoral. 

4. The only deliverance from sin is God's mercy. 

5. God's love is unchangeable. 

6. This love seeks the life and salvation of men. 

7. Christ is the fiill revelation of God's love. 



JOEL 



CHAPTER XLYI. 



1 1 Sam. 8. 2 ; 

1 Chr. 4. 85 ; 
5. 4, 8, 12 ; 
7.3; 

2 Chr. 29. 12 ; 
Neh. 11. 9. 



2 2.1, 15, 23, 

32; 
3. 1, 6, 8, 16, 
17, 20, 21. 

3 2. 27 ; 
3. 2, 16. 

4 1.9,18; 
2.14,17; 
3.18. 

5 3.2, 12, 14. 

6 Amos 1. 2. 

7 3.16. 

8 Amos 9. 13. 

9 Joel 3. 18. 

10 Amos 4. 9. 

11 cp. 1.4; 
2.25. 



13 2 Chr. 24. 



13 2 Chr. 21. 16; 
22.1. 



1*2 Kings 8. 
20 ff. 



Who Joel Was. — Joel (to whom Jehovah is God) was the son 
of Pethuel (the simplicity of God). This descent distinguishes him 
from others of the same name.^ Nothing further is known of him, 
but some think that he was a priest or of priestly family, from the 
references in 1. 9, 13, 14; 2. 14-17. Certainly he was of Judea. 
Mount Zion and Jerusalem, and the children of Judali and Jerusa- 
lem are addressed.^ When Israel is mentioned (only three times), ^ 
it never means the northern kingdom, but is used in the wide sense. 
The temple of Jerusalem and its services * are known. The valley of 
Jehoshaphat is spoken of.^ 

When He Prophesied. — The time of Joel was before Amos. 
Amos begins his book ^ with the threats recorded in Joel,^ and car- 
ries them forward, and he ends with the same promise ® of the hills, 
and of the mountains that drop wine.^ In Amos there is also a 
reminiscence of the locusts,^" so fully described by Joel." It seems 
possible to fix still more closely the time of Joel, as the early years 
of Joash (about 836-796). There is no mention of Assyria, of 
Babylonia, nor yet of Syria. This latter would be referred to, if 
Joel had prophesied in the latter years of Joash, when Hazael 
attacked Jerusalem.^^ The enemies spoken of in Joel are Phoeni- 
cians, Philistines, Egyptians and Edomites. Under Jehoram, who 
reigned shortly before Joash, — for only Ahaziah (one year), and Atha- 
liah (six years) intervened, — the Philistines and Arabian tribes made 
an inroad into Judah. They took rich booty, carried away and 
killed nearly the whole family of the king.^* The Edomites had 
also revolted under the same king, and only with difficulty had he 
prevailed.^* At this time Judah was still hostile to Egypt, while 
in the time of Isaiah, if not earlier, Egypt was an ally. Joel never 
186 



JOEL. 187 

addresses the king, but the elders and priests.^^ This too would 151.2,13,14. 
agree well with the early years of Joash, when Jehoiada, the priest, 
held the regency for the young king.* 

The Language and Style of Joel are pure and of a high 
order. His prophecy is ideally beautiful poetry. In sublimity he is 
next to Isaiah, and in tenderness to Jeremiah. 

The Purpose of Joel is to call to repentance after a great 
visitation, to announce the judgment of Israel's enemies, and to foretell 
Israel's endowment with the richest blessings of nature, the fullest 
gifts of the divine Spirit, and the great final day of the Lord. Joel is 
the prophet of the last day. 

The Contents. — Two main parts are apparent, the first in 
which the prophet is the speaker ; ^^ the second,^'^ in which Jehovah's le 1. 2—2. I8. 

• • A' ^^ \. A 17 2. 19-3. 2L 

voice IS directly heard. 

First part. ^^ First section. Upon the country long suffering from is 1. 2—2. 17. 
a severe drought, has come a great plague of locusts. They are strip- 
ping bark and branch, devouring fruit and grain. Men want and 
howl in distress, and the beasts in pangs of hunger are crying out 
for relief. This is the terrible day of the Lord. A fast and an as- 
sembly are to be called and God is to be besought.^* 19 1. 

In the second section^^ Joel compares the locusts to a mighty 202.1-17. 
army,f covering the mountains as with chariots, climbing the walls, 
filling the city, strong, in exact battle array, invincible, destroying 
everything, darkening sun and moon, and foreshadowing the day of 
the darkness of God.'^^ Israel is to repent, turn to God's mercy, and 21 2. i-li. 
the priests are to weep and pray in the temple.^^ Then will God 22 2. 12-17. 
show the jealousy of His love, and will pity.^^ 23 2. 18. 

Second part."^^ God hears and promises abatement of the judg- 242.19—3.21. 
ment. He will send blessings in nature, corn, wine and oil, early 
and latter rains, and bestow teachers of righteousness.^^ But greater ^5 2. 19-27. 



* others attempt to place Joel in the last years of Josiah, or in post- 
exilic times. 

fThat the locusts do not symbolize a people from the north,26 but that 26 cp. 2. 20. 
the army is rather to be interpreted from Chapter 1, finds its confirmation 
in 2. 25. 



188 



BIBLE LITEEATUEE. 



27 2. 28-32. 



28 3. 



29 1 ; 2. 17. 

30 2. 13. 

312.82. 

32 cp. Is. 6. 13, 

etc. ; 
Micah 5. 3 ; 

7.18; 

Jer. 31. 7ff. ; 
Rom. 9. 7 ff. ; 

11. 5 ff. 

33 Is. 13. 9 ff. ; 
Ez. 82. 7 ff. ; 
Amos 8. 9 ; 

Matt. 24. 29 ; 
Mark 18. 24 ; 
Luke 21. 25 ; 
Rev. 6. 12. 
3* 3. 13. 



35 3.18; 

cp. Ez. 47. 

Iff.; 
Zee. 13. 1 ; 

14.8; 
Rev. 22. 1. 

36 2. 28, 29. 

37 cp. Num. 11. 

26; 
Zee. 12. 10. 

38 John 16. 7 ff.; 
Acts 2. 16 ff. 

39 2.80ff. 



40 cp. e. g., 
Is. 40. 1 ff. ; 
Mai. 4. 5 ff. 



41 cp. Matt 24 ; 
Mark 13. 



shall be the descending of God's Spirit upon all flesli, without distinc- 
tion of rank and age. Then cometh the great and terrible day of 
the Lord.^' All the nations will be judged, but Israel shall live 
safely in a fertile land. Jehovah shall dwell forever among Israel 
with His presence and favor.'^^ 

Sin and Repentance. — Joel is a short compendium of pro- 
phetic teaching. He sounds the note which others unfold. The 
calamities of life are a punishment for sin.-^ But repentance will 
bring God's favor. For He is merciful and of great kindness and 
slow to anger. ^" Those who call on the Lord shall be delivered, and 
there is "the remnant whom the Lord shall call."^^ This truth of 
the called remnant runs through all prophecy.^'^ 

The Last Day. — Joel has had a powerful influence on the 
conception of the Day of Judgment. His descriptions of its gloom 
and darkness, of the sun and moon losing their light, etc., recur 
throughout the Scriptures.^^ The figure of the end as a harvest, 
and a wine-press of God's wrath ^* also passed into common use. The 
first is found e. g. Hos. 6. 11, Jer. 51. 33, Mt. 13. 39, Eev. 14. 15flr.; 
the second is Is. 63. 3, Lam. 1. 15, Eev. 14. 19 ff". 

The Holy Spirit Promised. — The hope of the restoration 
of Israel, which shall be as a fountain to water the valleys,^^ finds its 
source in the promise of the Spirit. ^^ He shall fill all flesh. Young 
and old, men and women, the lowly and servants^ will receive Him.^^ 
This universal promise is fulfilled in the Spirit whom Jesus sent.^® 
Thus the new dispensation is announced. When Joel joins the judg- 
ment to the coming of the Spirit,^® he sees the next great act after 
the descent of the Spirit. In this connecting of the time of grace and 
the final judgment Joel has again spoken for all prophecy.*" Like- 
wise in looking from the present judgment to the last day there 
is a deep truth. When Christ came. He too joined the announce- 
ment of the near destruction of Jerusalem with the judgment at the 
end of the world.*^ Where grace has fully come, judgment will 
appear. 

Summary. — Joel mightily shows that in natural visitation 
there is a judgment of God upon the sinful. All judgments point 



JOEL. 189 

to the end. For the repentant remnant, that seeks God, there will 
be grace. God will return new gifts of nature for destruction, but 
His greatest blessing will be His Spirit for all men. 



PRACTICAL LESSONS. 

1. Sin receives punishment. 

2. The visitations of nature are partly punishments for the wicked. 

3. All calamities remind of the great day of the Lord. 

4. All creation groaneth under the curse which comes upon sin- 

ful men. 

5. To those who repent God will show mercy. 

6. There is ever a remnant by grace. 

7. God will renew nature which He destroys. 

8. The greatest gift to men is God's Spirit in Christ. 

9. Those who do not accept Him cannot stand in the final 

judgment. 



AMOS-OBADIAH. 



CHAPTER XL VII. 

AMOS. 

11.1; 7. 12. Amos (the bearer) was a Judaean/ who owned a small flock of 

sheep at Tekoa, near Bethlehem. He was poor and gained part of 

2 7. 14. his livelihood from the lightly esteemed fruit of the sycamore-tree.^ 

His family seems to have been insignificant, for his father's name is 

^ T^' "'^f ■ 1^'. ^ ' ^^^^ mentioned as in the case of the other prophets.^ But in his 
Ez. 1. 1 ; poverty Amos had a strong spirit of independent power, with a deep 

4 "7*1.5^' ^' ^*^* ^^^^^'® ^*^^' God's truth. God called him directly from his flock,* 

5 3. 8. and he could not but prophesy.^ For others may fail to hear, but 

6 3. 8, 7. the prophet not.^ Amos' mission was connected with God's judgment 
^ 1. 1. by an earthquake in the time of Uzziah,^ which as a great judgment 
8 Zee. 14. 6. left its impression into the exile.^ The time of Amos is marked as the 

period when both Uzziah and Jeroboam II reigned, shortly before 
Hosea, about 781-740. Suddenly Amos appeared in Bethel. After his 
mighty messages, Amaziah, the chief priest of the idohitrous wor- 
ship, sent word to Jeroboam, accusing Amos of treason, and ordered 
him to quit the realm. Amos then in God's name told Amaziah of 
his doom, for interfering with God's truth ; and returned unharmed 
to Judah.* 

The State of Affairs. — The conditions which Amos shows 
and warns against agree with this time. The Assyrian is not yet 
mentioned, but Syria is told that it shall go into captivity to Kir,^° 
and Israel beyond Damascus." But now in the glory of Jeroboam's 
rule there is a feeling of self-conscious, careless power, and the 
mighty pride themselves on their strength.^^ They live luxuriously,^^ 
are avaricious,^* and oppress the poor.^^ They had made idolatrous 
sanctuaries at Dan,^* Gilgal,^'' and Bethel.'^ There have been visi- 
tations of God, but Israel had not returned to Him.'^ Judah is yet 

190 



9 


7. 


10 ff. 




10 


1. 


5. 




11 


5. 


27. 




12 


6. 


1,13. 




13 


5. 


11; 6. 


. 4ff. 


14 


8. 


4. 




15 


2. 


6ff. ; 






5. 


11 ff. 




16 


8. 


14. 




17 


4. 


4; 5. 


5. 


18 


4. 


4; 5. 


5; 




7. 


10. 




19 


4. 


6ff. 





AMOS— OBADIAH. 191 

insignificant, the little house.^" But it is also wicked and the spirit 20 e. 11. 

of the idolatry of the north rules at Beersheba,^^ 21 5. 5; 8. 14. 

The Language of Amos is clear and vigorous. His sentences 
are well rounded. He is rich in illustrations, which, like Hosea, are 
drawn from country life, as is natural. In a most vivid way Amos 
pictures the flocks of sheep,^^ the threshing-sledge,^^ the country- ^^ ?• i' 
cart,^* the harvest, '^^ grasshoppers,^^ cattle,^^ birds in the snare,^^ ^5 1* l^' 
lions, 29 fish^ng,^^ etc. Til'.i 

He uses the refrain ("yet ye have not returned to me," Chap- 298*4*8 12* 
ter 4), and the dirge.^^ Mighty are his antitheses. Deep is his so 4] 2." 
knowledge of Israel's truth, but wide is his outlook.^^ H f 1 2*' 9, 7. 

The Central Theme is: Judgment is coming. First it ap- 
proaches the six neighboring people — Damascus, Philistia, Tyre, 
Edom, Ammon and Moab. It will come to Judah, and most surely 
to Israel for its hardness of heart, its immorality, luxury, and ingra- 
titude toward God.^^ as 1, 2. 

Mighty Messages Against Israel follow, beginning with 
"Hear.''^* Judgments come to Israel. It is peculiarly responsible, 84 8-6» 
for God has elected it. Its visitation the prophet, whom God causes to 
speak, announces, and the heathen must acknowledge God's justice.^^ m 3. 
Hear ye sinful hardened women, and all the people ! Formal 
religion is vain. Warning visitations have not been effective. 
Others must follow. ^^ The wickedness that brings judgment is 364, 
again shown, and the punishments announced : exile, an unknown 
enemy, the day of the Lord, which Israel in its blindness desires. 
All the sacrifices without the heart are vain.^^ 375,6. 

Five Visions ^^ show judgment : the locusts, fire, the plumb- 38 7-9, 10. 
line, the basket with ripe fruit, Jehovah at the altar. After the 
third vision Amaziah threatens Amos. 

In conclusion,^^ the rebuilding of the broken tabernacle of David 39 9. n-is. 
is announced and the coming of God's kingdom. 

Teachings. — God is over all history,**^ and every advance in *° J-fj. f. 
Israel's life came from Him.*^ There is no chance in affairs. All *^ 2. 9 ff. 
things, calamity as well as prosperity, are from God.*^ Therefore ^aJ'gf 
nature too is under God's control.*^ God rises strongly against sin,** ** 7. 9. 



192 BIBLE LITERATURE. 

*5 1, 8—2. 4. hates all cruelty and injustice in the heathen,*^ much more in 
47 ?* 21 ff Israel,*® and rejects idle, formal worship.*' Judgment will come 

*8 5. 18. upon Israel in the Lord's Day.*^ The whole commonwealth will 

*^3*i2ff • fall.*^ A great nation will be God's instrument.^*' Repentance 
SiIz^'tH- would have averted this punishment,^' but it is now too late. Yet 
soil 27- 6. 14. though God must punish. He is merciful, repents of the evil threat- 
en ed,^^ but seeks righteousness.^^ 

For Jeroboam's house there is no hope, but in the house of 
54 9. 11 ff. David ^* will come restoration, and Israel will be blessed with all 

gifts. This hope finds its end in Christ's kingdom. 

Summary. — Amos wonderfully paints God's judgment upon 
every form of sin. Idolatry and worldly prosperity have brought 
all wickedness. Israel shall be judged like the nations about it. 
It has not repented in time, nor listened to the warning judgments. 
God's election does not interfere with His justice. Israel must 
suffer. But in the house of David is hope. God is still mercifiil. 



51 4. 

52 7. 3. 
63 5. 24 



PRACTICAL LESSONS. 

1. Every nation is punished for its sin. 

2. The elect of God are not exempt from divine justice, if 

they sin. 
8. Prosperity leads many to worldliness, and to sins of luxury. 
4. Idolatry is the mother of much wrong. 
6. God is in everything, and all comes from Him. 
6. God is mercifuL His help is given in the great son of David, 

Jesus. 



AMOS-OBADIAH. 193 



OBADIAH, 



When Obadiah Prophesied. — Obadiah (servant of Jeho- 
vah) is known only by name. Many in Israel bore the same name.^ 
His prophecy shows him ^^ to have been of Judah. A comparison of ^^ ^®^- ^^> ^'^^ 
verses 1-9 with Jer. 49. 7 ff. proves that Jeremiah quotes from Oba- 
diah. This was natural to Jeremiah,f and shows that Obadiah must 
have lived before him. Obadiah is also quoted by Joel.^^ This ^^jo©i2!3?;^ 
would place Obadiah before Joel and make it the earliest prophetic joei 3. id; 
book. Obadiah would then have prophesied about 851-842 in the joei 3. 3. 
time of king Jehoram. At this time also the second capture of Jeru- 
salem,^^ by the Philistines and Arabians took place. These might ^^ ver. ii ; 

' -^ . . 2Chr. 21.16fr 

well be called " strangers " and " foreigners." The seizure of Jeru- 
salem as described in Obadiah ^^ would not fit the first attack under ^sver. ii. 

king Shishak of Egypt in the time of Eehoboam,^^ for then Edom ^^ i Kings 14. 

25 ; 

was subject to Judah. Xor could the attack by the Israelitish 2 Chr. 12. 2. 

king Jehoash ^° be one of strangers and foreigners. And the attacks eo 2 Kings 14. 

° ° 18 ff.; 

under Jehoiakim,^^ and Jehoiachin,^^ are excluded because Jeremiah 2 Chr. 25. 

' ' 23 ff. 

quotes Obadiah. ei 2 Kings 24. 

^ 1 ff. ; 

What He Prophesied. — Obadiah forcefully prophesies against 2 Chr. 36. 6. 

_ , ^ *' "^ ^ ° 62 2 Kings 24. 

Edom. A message comes from Jehovah to the prophet and Israel, 10 ff. 

. - ^ ^ 2 Chr. 36. 

and a herald is sent to the nations to invite them to fight against 10 ff« 
Edom. God already sees Edom small and despised. Only its pride 
exalts it. The prophet sees it fallen. A great judgment has appeared. 
God has taken might and wisdom from the great men of Edom.^^ esyer. 1-9. 
Edom deserves this.^* It delighted in Judah's discomfiture. The ^* ^^r. 10 16. 
day of judgment has come, and God will requite to Edom its sins. 
But Judah, nigh to destruction, shall receive new glory, and possess 
Edom, Philistia, Ephraim and Samaria. The house of Joseph shall 
go further north, and Benjamin shall have Gilead. Even the 
scattered Jews shall return. The kingdom shall be the Lord's.^^ ^^ ver. 17-21. 
Prophetic literature began with this single announcement of 



*1 Kings 18. 3; 1 Chr. 3. 21 ; 7. 3; 8. 38; 9. 16, 44; 27. 19; 2 Chr. 17. 7 ; 84. 12; 
Ez. 8. 9 ; Neh. 10. 5 ; 12. 25. 

f See lesson on Jeremiah. 

13 



194 BIBLE LITERATURE. 

judgment on one people. This one leaf contains the germ of the 
later prophecies against the opposing nations. It exalts God's 
power and righteousness, His truthfulness in His covenant with 
Israel, and His promise of the final victory of His kingdom, first 
given in temporary and passing pictures of outward glory. Though 
Obadiah is not quoted in the New Testament, yet his last word : 
" The kingdom shall be the Lord's " is fully realized in Christ. 

Summary. — Obadiah tells God's enemies that their strength 
is vain before Him. Their wisdom shall fail. Their glorying when 
God's children's are afflicted will be repaid. God's kingdom will 
prevail. 



PRACTICAL LESSONS. 

1. The great of this world are small before God. 

2. Neither power nor wisdom can hold men, when God will 

judge them, 

3. God will avenge His saints, though their enemies for a time 

triumph. 

4. The Kingdom will be Christ's. 



JONAH-MICAH. 



CHAPTEE XLVIIl. 

JONAH. 

Jonah, the son of Amittai, born in Gath-hepher of Zebulun, 
lived in the time of Jeroboam II, about 781-740. He prophesied 
that the king would be victorious against Syria, and restore the old 
border of the realm, a prophecy, which was soon fulfilled.^ In this 
book a subsequent experience is related.* 

The story of Jonah is like the stories that cluster about the 
names of Elijah and Elisha. It contains no great sermons. The 
story itself as given in its essential features is the prophecy. 

The Purpose, of Jonah in writing what is largely a self-con- 
fession is to announce against Jewish prejudice that God's grace is 
over all nations. 

The Contents. — In the first chapter which shows God's call 
and Jonah's attempt to flee, there is contrasted the unwillingness 
of the prophet, who would bring no saving message to Israel's 



* Many deny that Jonah did and experienced what is told, or that he 
wrote this prophetic history. It is regarded as a romance, that was later 
attached to the name of Jonah. The two great miracles of Jonah, which 
were long ago satirized by the heathen Lucian, are the main stumbling- 
blocks. But there have been a series of natural similarities to the swallow- 
ing by the whale ; and as recently as 1891 James Bartley, a whale hunter, 
was swallowed by a whale and the following day was taken alive out of his 
rtomach. Further, a man who would thus come to the Ninevites would 
appeal to them, and appear as one of the incarnations of Dagan, their fish- 
god. This would form a connecting-point for Jonah's true message. The 
quick growth of the gourd, also, was possible, since God is God and speaks 
to men. Other arguments against this book are : that Nineveh is spoken 
of in the past as a great city ; 2 that late linguistic forms occur ; that the 
prayer 3 is a collection of psalm verses. But the past tense in 3. 3 is a 
descriptive imperfect used in Hebrew. The late forms are few and not 
clearly established. The psalm verses are from evidently Davidic and early 
psalms. Christ certainly regarded the preaching of Jonah and the miracle 
Of the whale as a historical fact. * 

195 



12 Kings 14. 
25. 



23. S. 
8 2. 



4 Matt. 12.39; 
16,4; 
Luke 11. 29 ff. 



193 BIBLE LITERATURE. 

enemies, and the readiness with which the heathen sailors acknowledge 
God's power, though Jonah, the Jew, sets himself against it. When 

5 2 

in distress,^ within the whale, Jonah prays. Severe trials would 

6 ^ 

break Jewish hardness. Then ^ Jonah goes and preaches destruction 
to Nineveh. Quickly the people earnestly repent. How ready the 
heathen are when God's call comes to them. But Jonah ' is displeased 
that God does not destroy them. By the gourd God teaches Jonah, 
how He loves His creatures, and cares for all, especially the help- 
less children and animals. The lovingkindness and mercy of 
God shine forth wonderfully. The book of Jonah (dove) is a 
dove of the peace of God for all men. 

In their repentance the Ninevites contrast favorably even with 

8 Luke 11. 29 ff. those who heard a greater than Jonah,^ and who did not re- 

ceive the sign of Jonah; for Jonah's being in the whale three 

9 Matt.12.39,40. days is a type of Christ's resurrection.^ 

Summary. — God's mercy is over all His works. He has 
chosen Israel for a time, but to be the messenger of peace to all men. 
His love is universal and regards the weak. Lovingkindness and 
saving power are God's deepest aim fulfilled in Christ. 



PRACTICAL LESSONS. 

1. The choice of Israel does not exclude others. 

2. God would have all saved. 

3. How much readier are often the heathen than the children of 

the Kingdom. 

4. God watches over the little ones. 

5. The central and final purpose of Christ is to show God's grace 

over all. 

6. By Christ's resurrection God confirms His saving mercy to 

all men. 



JONAH— MICAH. 197 

MICAH. 

Micah (who is like Jehovah), was a common name in Israel.* 
The writer of this book was Micah 'the Morasthite " of Moresheth, 
near Gath. He prophesied from the reign of Jotham to that of 
Hezekiah,^" about 758-710. As he announced the fall of Samaria," JJ 1. 1. 
most of his messages must have been previous to 722. His largest 
work was done in the reign of Hezekiah, who was deeply moved by 
his prophecies.^^ Assyria is mentioned as the most dangerous ^^ jer. 26. 18. 
enemy/^ but Babylon is also seen as the place of future captivity.'* i3 1. lOff. ; 

5. 4ff. ; 

In these features Micah reminds of Isaiah, with whom he was con- 6. 16; 7. 12. 

' 14 4. 10. 

temporary. Probably Isaiah unfolded ^^ the theme of Micah.'^ is is. 2. 

^ -^ -^ 16 4.1-3. 

Isaiah further agrees with Micah in thoughts of the future.^^ Micah it cp. is. 7. 14 

andMle.5. 1; 
foretells judgment over Samaria and Jerusalem, though Hezekiah is. ii. i ff. 
. . . ... andMic.7. 

had begun a reformation. This did not prevail. Iniustice and self- 12 ; is. 49. 23 
^ ^ r J andMic.7. 

ishness, especially among the great, ruled. There was no change 17. 
from the time of Ahaz, when the piety of Jotham's time had to give 
way to idolatry. The people boasted that they were Jehovah's 
people, but believed not. 

Characteristics. — Micah is far above the simplicity of Amos 
in style. Wonderfully graphic are his descriptions. Unexpected is 
the change of persons, and the discourse becomes almost a dialogue. 
The transitions from promise to threatening, and from threatening 
to promise are very rapid. There is a fondness for play on words.f 
The style finally, however, shows Micah, tender, affectionate, sym- 
pathetic. His warm sympathy puts him into the guise of a captive 
awaiting the strokes that shall fall on Israel.'^ He will roll in dust ^^ i. 8. 
on account of the woe upon Beth-aphrah.^^ He pictures himself ^^ !• ^^* 



* In this short or the longer form Micaiah it is found Judg. 17. 1 ; 1 Kings 
22. 8 ; 1 Chr. 8. 34 ; 2 }. 23 ; 2 Chr. 18. 7 ; Jer. 86. 11. 

fThis play (paranomasia) appears especially in 1. 10 flf. and has been 
well paraphrased thus: "Let not Gath (Tell-town), spread abroad the 
dreadful news. You who live in Accho ( Weep-town), restrain your tears ; in 
Beth-le-Aphrah (House of Dust), cover yourself with dust in token of your 
grief and disgrace. O lady of Shaphir (Beauty-town), pass along in the 
captive train exposed to shame. The citizens of .Saanan (March-town) will 
not come forth to fight, for Beth-ezel's (Neighbor-town), lamentations will 
fill you with despair," etc. 



198 BIBLE LITERATURE. 

^•^5.1. shut up with his people in Jerusalem's siege,^^ and gladly sees the 

advance of the "Breaker," who would force a way for the people to 

21 2. 12, 18. return from captivity.^^ 

Micah's Purpose is to warn, threaten and promise. His book 

^2 !• 2 ; 3. 1 ; is divided into three parts, each beginning with : " Hear.''^^ 

^^ 1"2. Warning.'^^ Jehovah is coming down to judgment upon Sama- 

ria and then Judah. The names of Judah's cities are symbols of 

^* !• their destruction. ^^ Woe upon the mighty who oppress. They would 

silence the prophet. And yet God, for whom the prophet speaks, 
would be gracious. But the perverse people call down judgment. 
Yet Jehovah will gather the remnant. The redeemer will break 

^^ 2. through the prison.^^ 

2^ ^"5* Fromise.^^ False leaders and prophets are bringing woe.^'^ But 

the true God is in Israel, who will gather His people as a flock. 
All heathen shall assemble at Mount Zion. But Israel must first 

28 4. enter into trials and woe. Yet God shall redeem Zion.^^ A ruler 

and a shepherd shall come from Bethlehem, who shall reign to the 
ends of the world; and God will destroy all idolatry and instru- 

29 5. ments of war.^' 

30 6,7. Threatening.^^ The people are corrupt, ungrateful to God, un- 

316. iust and cruel.^^ Present conditions are very sad:^^ but God has 

32 7. 1-6. -^ '' 

33 7. 7-20. hope of salvation for the repentant people.^^ 

Messianic Prophecies. — Micah, whose book seems in large 

part like a compendium of Isaiah, has much truth in common with him. 

Mighty are his expectations of the Messiah. Israel shall after its captiv- 

34. 4. 10. ity be rescued ;^* Jerusalem ^^ after its destruction shall be the mountain 

35 3. 12. 

36 4. Iff. of Jehovah, to which the Gentiles gather. ^^' Then shall the scat- 

37 4. 6. tered people be brought back.^^ Jehovah will complete His power.^^ 

38 4. 7. 

The rule of David shall be established. When the weak people 
39 4. 9 ff. are freed ^^ there shall be " The Breaker/' who will make a way,*** 

4-0 2. 12 ff. 

the one King of one people. He shall come forth from Bethlehem, 
41 5. 1 ff. the Lord,*^ and the true Shepherd,'*- who is the Eternal. 

*2 5, 4, 5. 

Summary. — God's aim is salvation. Because Israel is sinful, 
there must be threatening and judgment, punishment and exile, 
before God can fulfill His will. The return of Israel, and the 



JONAH— MICAH. 199 

exaltation of Zion will bring joy to all in the person of the eternal 
Prince and Shepherd of the house of David, who shall break 
through every hindrance, and establish God's rule. 



PRACTICAL LESSONS. 

1. God ever desires to bless. 

2. Men's sins compel Him to punish. 

3. Wickedness will destroy even God's own people. 

4. Sinful leaders and prophets corrupt a people. 

5. From its punishment God will deliver repentant Israel. 

6. Christ will break every bond. 

7. He makes little Bethlehem great.** *scp.Matt.2.& 

8. In Him will all be gathered to spiritual Zion. 



NAHUM-HABAKKUK. 



CHAPTER XLIX. 

NAHUM. 
Nahum (comforter) was an inhabitant of Elkosh. This village 
was probably near Eleutheropolis in Judaea, for Judaea is pre- 
supposed in 1. 8 ff., 15. Nahum's message was directed against Nine- 
13.1. veh, "the bloody city." ^ It must have been given later than 664, 

3 3.8 ff, when No (No-Ammon, Thebes) was plundered by the Assyrians,^ but 

^ 3* 1' earlier than 620, for the Assyrian yoke still rested on Judah,' and at 

this time Josiah destroyed idolatry in the domain of the former 
* ^1?^^^^ ^^* kingdom of Samaria also.* The power of Assyria under Sennacherib 

5 i- 9. 12 ; is still vividly felt.^ 

Characteristics. — Nahum is dependent upon the law* and 
the psalmSjf and he also shows the influence of Isaiah and Joel. J 
Nevertheless he is original and employs a grammatically pure lan- 
guage. Most forceful and picturesque is the poetical opening of the 
book. Grandeur, energy, vividness mark Nahum's style. Powerful is 
the description in 2. 1 ff., strong and real the picture in 3. 2, 3, very 

6 2. 11. apt the figure of the lions and their whelps,^ and of the flight of the 
^ 3. 17. locusts.^ Exceedingly fine is the pathos in 3. 18. Nahum excels in 

dignity. He almost approaches Isaiah, and surpasses all minor 
prophets in sublimity, fire, and daring spirit. 

Contents. — The burden of Nahum's prophecy is : Nineveh shall 

be destroyed. In a poem God, the jealous Lord is shown, who will 

8 1. put an end to the oppressors of His people.^ For He will send an 

9 2. army to conquer, plunder and destroy Nineveh.^ Nineveh is guilty ; 

103. blood-guiltiness rests upon it, and therefore it must fall.^" 



* 1. 3 compare Ex. 20. 5 ; 84. 6 ; Num. 14. 17, 18. 
1 1. 7 compare Ps. 37. 39. 

1 1. 4 compare Is. 50. 2 ; 83. 9 ; 1. 16 compare Is. 52. 1, 7 ; 2. 11 compare Is. 22, 
5 ; Joel 2. 6 ; 3. 4 compare Is. 47. 9. 

200 



NAHUM— HABAKKUK. 201 

Nineveh's destruction, so vividly portrayed,^^ is justified because ii2.6ff. 

of her witchcraft, cruel oppression and idolatry.^^ Her cruelties 12 3. 4. 

shall be returned to her,^^ when she is destroyed as was mighty 13 3. 10. 

Thebes." Her fortifications shall fall like ripe figs.^^ Her heroes ^^ 3. 8. 

^ ^ 15 3. 12. 

will be cowards.^^ The impending doom is the judgment of God.^^ le 3. 13. 

He, whose power appears in nature,^^ will come as the jealous is 1* 3, e, 8. 

Lord to avenge. But for those who trust in Him there is refage.^^ 19 1. 7. 

Judah shall be kept. Assyria's yoke shall be broken.^'' God's 201.13. 

power prevails. Judgment is the vindication of divine glory. The 

hope of this glory ^^ and of Israel's unity ^^ are prophecies looking 211.23: 

22 2. 2. 
toward the Messiah. 

Summary. — God, though merciful, must avenge bloodshed, 

cruelty, oppression by war or commerce. He is jealous for the right. 

Only those who hope in Him shall be saved. All worldly power 

must fall before God's glory. His rule and kingdom is eternal. Its 

greatest realization begins in Christ. 



PRACTICAL LESSONS. 

1. The sins of a people are its ruin. 

2. Cruelty, injustice and irreligion destroy the kingdoms of the 

world. 

3. Trust in God alone rescues. 

4. God's rule in Christ is forever. 



HABAKKUK. 



Habakkuk (the embracer) "embraces his people and takes 
them into his arms, i. e., comforts them and holds them aloft, as one 
embraces a poor weeping child or man, that they should be quiet 
and at peace, for as God wills, it shall be better." (Luther.) Judah 
was the home of Habakkuk. He was probably a Levite and par- 
ticipated in the musical service of the temple.^^ He prophesied ^3 3. 19. 
before the battle of Carshemish (605), which is seen coming in the 
generation then living.^* Probably he belonged to the prophets of ^* i» 5* 



202 BIBLE LITERATURE. 

2^ 2 Khigs 21. the impending judgnient,^^ of the later reign of Manasseh and the 
2 Chr. 88. 10. early rule of Josiah. More exactly his time can be fixed as be- 
fore Zephaniah ^ and Jeremiah's appearance,! i. e. before the thir- 
teenth year of Josiah (626). 

The Style of Habakkuk is marked, full of strange and choice 
expressions, peculiar to him. Independent beauty and completed 
harmony appear everywhere. There is a vivid movement of thought. 
Prophecy and lyric are beautifully blended. Full of deep feeling, 
the book is an artistically complete whole. 

The Aim of Habakkuk is to praise faith. He is the prophet 
2?o'^* of faith ?^ This he can be as God answers him,^'' when he calls.^^ 

2g 1* Upon the answer follows the prayer of believing fear ^^ and hoping 

joy. 

The Contents. — In spirit Habakkuk sees violence and de- 
struction. These are inflicted by God's will through the terrible 
people, the Chaldeans. They become guilty for they regard their 

80 1,1-11. power as their God.^° But because Jehovah is of old the prophet's 

God, his Holy One, he is assured that this judgment shall only 

31 1. 12-17. chastise, not destroy Judah.^^ Standing then upon the watch Habak- 

32 2. 1-4. kuk hears God's answer : That the just shall live by faith.^^ A five 

fold woe shall be upon the Chaldean, who has sinned through blood- 

33 2, 5-20. guiltiness, robbery, idolatry. ^^ In a psalm of prayer the prophet sees 

the Lord arising in His majesty from Sinai to judge for the final 
salvation of His people. As anciently from Egypt, so shall Judah 
8*8. again be delivered, and rejoice in the God of salvation.^* 

In this prophecy Habakkuk though not unmindful of Judah's 
sins is chiefly concerned about the cruelties of the Chaldeans. They 
come to punish, and need themselves the punishment of divine 
righteousness. The answer received is : That by trust the righteous 
will live. Judgment shall come to the wrongdoers, after God has 
punished wrong through them. 

The Fundamental Thoughts of this prophecy are : 1. Two 
kingdoms are in contest, the kingdom of this world, whose ruler is 



* Compare 2. 20 with Zeph. 1. 7. 
t Compare 1. 8 with Jer. 4. 18 ; 5. 6. 



NAHUM— HABAKKUK. 203 

the king of the Chaldeans, and the kingdom of God, whose ruler 

is God's Anointed (Christ). 2. This Christ shall prevail through 

God's intervention.^^ 3. Toward the completion of God's work in the 35 3. 13. 

history of the world, the faithful look, when the divinely determined 

time has come. 4. Faith upholds the believers while this conflict of 

the wicked against the kingdom of God is raging, and gives life in 

the midst of death.^^ This message is deeply evangelical. Faith as 86 2.4ff. 

the power of life is the core of the gospel. Paul therefore rests 

upon Habakkuk.^'^ 37 Rom. 1. 17 ; 

^ Gal. 8. 11 ; 

Sumraary. — The sin of Judah will receive punishment. But ep. Heb. 10. 

38. 

as the one through whom the punishment is inflicted is sinful him- 
self, he will also fall. God's people and rule will remain, while 
destruction overcomes the kingdom of the world. But God will bring 
forth His Anointed. Trust in this saving God brings life, and 
causes the righteous amid all the power of judgment to rejoice in 
salvation. 



PRACTICAL LESSONS. 

1. All problems must be brought before God. 

2. The sin in God's own people is visited. 
8, By sinners sin is chastised. 

4. The tools of God's judgment fall by their idolatry and 

violence. 

5. The God of salvation'is victorious. 

6. He sends and helps His Anointed, 

7. By faith in the saving God and His Anointed the just lives. 



ZEPHANIAH-HAGGAI. 



CHAPTER L. 

ZEPHANIAH. 

Zephaniah and His Times. — Zephaniah (Jehovah con- 
icp. 2.8. ceals),^ contrary to the general usage of the prophets, carries his 

^ !• !• descent back to his great-grandfather, Hizkiah.^ This may be the king 

Hezekiah. Of Zephaniah nothing is known, except that he prophe- 
3 1.1. sied in the days of Josiah.^ Assyria is still in power, and Nineveh 

*2.13. has not yet fallen.* The conditions in Judah also agree with the 

early years of Josiah, and find their parallel description in Jeremiah. 

5 1.4,5; Idolatry rules,^ and false gods are sworn by.^ Violence is done to 
Jer. 19. 13. ^ . 

6 1.5. the la w,'^ and all warnings have been in vain.^ Great is the corrup- 

^ o. 4 ] 

Jer. 8. 8 ff. tion among the people, the royal family, princes, prophets and 

8 3. 2; 

Jer. 2. 20 ; priests.* The people have become shameless,^^ and Jerusalem is a 

9 1.4,8,9; rebellious city, polluted with blood, and oppresses the weak." 

o. o, 4 ; 

10 2^^i -^ 3^' I ^' ^^^^ whole state of affairs points to a time previous to the 

113^^1^ i' 9-^^' fiii<i"ig of the law in Josiah's eighteenth year (621). Yet Zephaniah 

"^t^iy'-^l.'l?- i^ust have prophesied after Josiah's twelfth year, when the reforma- 

12 2^Chr. 84. 5 fl. ^ion began,^^ for the Lord is sworn by,^^ and Baal-worship has been 

partly removed (remnant of Baal).^* Consequently Zephaniah's 

prophecy must be placed between 626-621. 

The Language of Zephaniah is grammatically pure, and his 
style is fresh and vivid. It has its peculiarities, but is by no means as 
powerful or original as that of Nahum. The influence of the earlier 
prophets is seen.* 

The Contents. — Zephaniah comforts the pious ; they shall be 
hid in Judgment mid saved. He begins with a forceful warning. He 



13 1.5. 

1*1. 4. 



* Compare 1. 7 and Hab. 2. 20; 3. 14 and Is. 54. 1 ; 1. 13 and Amos 5. 11; 
1. 14 and Joel 2. 1, 2, etc. 

204 



ZEPHANIAH— HA.GGAI. 205 

concludes with the hope of salvation. His prophecy has three main 

sections. First The earnest warning}^ Judgment is mightily ^^ l» 

announced,^^ and shall descend upon Judah and Jerusalem for their '^^ 1. 2,3. 

idolatry and wickedness.''^ Great and terrible is the day of the Lord ^^ !• ^^^• 

upon all men.'^ Secondly, The great invitation}^ The people are 21 \' ^^o^' 7 

bidden to turn to God,'^® for judgment will come. Philistia will fall 20 2. i-s. 

and Judah shall possess its land." Moab and Ammon receive their -^ 2. 4-7. 

reward, and Judah becomes heir of their land. Jehovah will rule 

among all Gentiles.^'^ Ethiopia and Assyria shall be judged.^^ Woe I't ^* ^T^h 

to rebellious, sinful Jerusalem ! ^* Thirdly, The precious p?'omise.'^'^ -t ^' ^"• 

After judgment God will be praised with pure lips among the 

nations. His scattered people shall be brought as a meat-offering, 

and under the protection of its king, Jehovah, it will be blessed. 

His Message. — Deeply in earnest, Zephaniah demands that 

idolatry, injustice and oppression cease, and that heart and conduct 

be pure.^* While he announces judgment, he yet sees in suffering a 26 1. 12 ff. ; 

discipline. Israel's chastised remnant will turn to God." The 27 3* 7, 11, is. 

nations will bring pure adoration.^^ But most marked is the universal ^s 3. 8-10. 

outlook of Zephaniah. Judgment is to come upon the whole world. 

Jehovah will consume the earth.^^ The nations named in everv ^si.Kff. ; 

•^ 2.2; 3. 8. 
direction represent all nations. But the universality of judgment 

looks to the establishment of divine right upon earth. All idols are 

to be destroyed that the isles of the heathen shall worship God,^^ with ^^ 2. 11. 

pure lips.^^ From Jerusalem all wrong is removed, that God's 213.8,9. 

righteousness may rule.^'^ The humble, poor, and afflicted will then ^^ 3. i- 

trust in God.^* ^^ 3. 12. 

The Coming Salvation.— Like Nahum, Zephaniah does not 

mention the Messiah, but he sees the coming of salvation for Israel 

and the world. In all nations shall men truly and with holiness 

worship God.^* Together with Israel, which the other nations bring ^^ 2. 11 ; 3.8. 

to God out of its dispersion as an offering, will all find the strong and 

saving Lord.^^ Israel poor in spirit will live, a rescued people, in God's ^^ ^* ^^• 

holy mountain.^® He, mighty to save, and condescending like a man, ^e 3. 11. 

will dwell among Israel, and rejoice in it with unspeakable love.^'^ ^"^ 3. 17. 

This highest point of hope is fulfilled in Christ and spiritual Israel. 



2m 



BIBLE LITERATURE. 



Summary. — Sin must receive severe punishment. But God's 

great day of judgment will bring healing and salvation to the humble 

believers. There shall come joy to redeemed Israel ; and all the 

nations shall dwell in God's truth. As eternal Love He will be 

38 op. Luke 2. among men in whom He is well pleased.^^ 



PRACTICAL LESSONS. 

1. All sin will be judged. 

2. Terrible is God's great day. 

3. Every nation must answer for its sin. 

4. Chastised Israel will come to God. 

5. All the nations shall worship God in holiness. 

6. God will dwell in love among men in whom He is pleased 

through Christ. 



39 1.1. 

40 2. 1,10, 
Ezra 5. ; 

411. 

42 2. 1-9. 

43 2.10-19; 
20-23. 



20; 



44 1. 

45 2. 1-9. 

*6 2. 10-19. 



47 2. 20-28. 



HAGGAI. 

Hagrgai (the festive), who probably received his name on 
some festival, has left prophecies from the second year of Darius 
Hystaspes.^^ He is known only by his name.*" His book is a series 
of prophecies from the one year — 458. The first message *^ is from the 
sixth month (September), first day ; the second *^ of the seventh month, 
(October), twentieth day; the last two,*' of the ninth month, (De- 
cember), twenty-fourth day. Haggai's language though partly poetry 
is for the most part prose. 

Haggai's Theme is the new temple and its glory. The new 
temple ought to be built. Israel's remissness had brought the pun- 
ishment of drought and other misfortunes. The leaders begin the 
work.** The new temple will far surpass the former in real glory .*^ 
Israel should consider the former curse and the blessing to come.*® 
All the kingdoms of the world shall fall, but Zerubbabel, representing 
the throne of David, shall be kept as a signet.*^ Thus with an 
established throne ends the prophecy of the new temple. 



ZEPHANIAH— HAGGAI. 207 

The voice of Haggai, the first after the great prophets of the 
exile, Jeremiah, Ezekiel, Daniel, is important. That it called 
mainly for the rebuilding of the temple is natural. In this task, 
which was delayed not merely by Israel's enemies but by its own 
indiffepence, fidelity to God was to be shown. The place of worship 
was very central to Israel's religion. In the temple God dwelt; 
there was His glory over the mercy-seat, there Israel communicated 
with Him. And the glory of the future was to proceed from the 
temple, as the place of God's greater revelation. 

God would move the world, shake the nations,*^ then would *» 2. 6. 
come the greater glory of the house of the Lord of hosts,^^ in that *»2.7. 
He would give peace.^° This peace points to the eternal prince of ^^ 2. 9. 
jpeace}^ In Christ's appearance this prophecy entered upon its ful- ^^^'^J^g'g. 
fillment. Mic.sU'.S.' 

Summary. — The misfortunes of life somehow follow rejection 
of communion with God. Blessing attends true faith and worship. 
These fi-nd real glory not in outward splendor, but in the presence of 
God's eternal rule of peace. 



PRACTICAL LESSONS. 

1. Suffering comes to those who neglect God's house. 

2. Eeligious fidelity is blessed in outward things also. 

3. God's presence of peace is the true glory of His house. 

4. Eternal will be the divine throne. 



ZECHARIAH. 



CHAPTER LI. 

Zechariah (whom Jehovah remembers) is a frequent name. 
Zechariah the prophet was of priestly descent, son of Berechiah and 

1 1, 1. grandson of Iddo/ who was a leader of one priestly order that 

2 Neh. 12. 4. returned from the exile with Zerubbabel.^ Iddo's office descended to his 
Neh. 12. 16. grandson under the high priest Joiakim.^ Zechariah must have been 

quite young when he came from Babylon, and probably his father 
died early. This probability and his following his grandfather would 

4 jjgjra 5. 1 • explain why he is called a son of Iddo.* Grandsons are sometimes 
* ' simply called sons of their grandfathers. Zechariah began to proph- 

esy in the second year of Darius Hystaspes (458), two months later 

g than Haggai,^ with whom he co-operated in advocating the erection 

Zech. 1. 1. of the temple.^ How long he continued is not known. One of his 
6 Ezra 5. 1 ; ^ ^ 

6. 14. prophecies dates from the fourth year of Darius,'^ and his oracles, ® 

8 9-14. must have been still later.* 



*Most scholars assign the chapters 9-14 to an earlier time than Zech- 
ariah. Chapters 9-11 to the time of Ahaz, chapters 12-14 after Josiah. Others 
place parts much later than Zechariah. The main arguments for an 
earlier date are : 1. Difference of form. No time is assigned to the proph- 
ecies as in chapter 1-8. 2. Difference of style. 3. The conditions indicated 
»11.14. point to another time. Israel and Judah still exist.9 Egypt and Assyria are 

10 lO. 10, 11. the enemies 10 as in Hos. 11. 11. Judah is under kings of the house of 

11 1 2 ]() 12 • 

13.* 1 David.ii There is idolatry,i2 and prophets with heathen proclivities i a 

^213^2! exist. But after the exile idolatry ceased. In reply it may be said; 1. That 

18 13, 2. the difference in form is not marked. Only in 1. 1, 7 ; 7. 1 are dates given. 

The far outlook of chapters 9-14 explains the want of dates. 2. Difference 
of content accounts for difference of style. Where there is likeness a cor- 
respondence of style may be noted. 3. The conclusions drawn from certain 
statements as to conditions are unwarranted. Israel and Judah both occur 
1* 8. 13. in an undisputed part of Zechariah.i* Judah is also called Israel in Jer, 

23. 6; 50.20; Mai. 2. 11. Israel has become a general name, and affirms 
nothing about the existence of the northern kingdom. Egypt and Assyria 
are named as types of hostile nations. They have made the largest im- 

15 9,18; pression upon Judah's historical memory. But Javan (Greece) is men- 
op. Dan. 8. tioned,i5 and this is totally incompatible with a date earlier than Zechariah. 

16 Neh 13 23' The house of David is spoken of prophetically. Idolatry was being rooted 
Mai. 2. il ff. out, yet there are still remnants and alliances with heathen.ie 

208 



17 


1.3,4; 




1 . 17 and 




2.18; 




2.9; 




4. 9 and 




6. 15. 


18 


1.8-G.15 


19 


7,8. 


20 


9 ff. 



ZECHARIAH. 209 

The Lang'uag'e of Zechariah follows earlier models, and is com- 
paratively pure Hebrew. He frequently repeats, and his messages 
are at times extended and monotonous.^' There are manifold visions '^'^ 
and symbols.^^ Simple, direct announcements also occur/^ followed 
by a wonderful prophetic outlook.^*' Zechariah has points of con- 
tact with Daniel. Upon the basis of Daniel 9; 10.20; 11. 45, he 
indicates the further course of history, after the return of Judah to 
the very end of time. 

Contents. — Zechariah tells for Israel's comfort of the hard ivay 

of suffering that leads to future glory. After a call to repentance,^^ he ^^ !• i-^'- 

shows, I. The present in the light of prophecy P Seven visions appear. ^^ 1.7— o. 15. 

1. The riders among the myrtle-trees^^^ God's messenger of judg- ^^ 1.8-17. 

ment, report the present, quiet course of events ; but God will soon 

show mercy to His people and judge Jerusalem's enemies. 2. The 

four carpenters,^* who shall break the four horns (the world- ^^ 1. 18-21. 

powers). 3. The man with the measuring line.^^ The Lord will ^^ 2. i-io. 

again build Jerusalem, but as the multitudes shall enter, it will have 

no wall. The Lord is the protection of His world-wide kingdom. 

4, The high-priests.^^ Satan accuses the high-priest Joshua, 26 3. 1-10. 

that God's wrath may come upon Israel. God purifies Joshua, 

protects him by angels, and with Zerubbabel makes him a 

pledge of " The Branch." Joshua sprinkles the blood of atonement 

upon the unwritten stone {i. e., the new covenant). Sin will be 

taken from Israel. 5. The golden candlestick " symbolizes the con- 27 4. 

gregation endowed with the gifts of the Spirit. Through the 

prophets Haggai and Zechariah the Spirit comes to the people. 6. 

The holy people.^^ The flying roll announces judgment to the 28 5. 

transgressors. But God will cast the woman (power of temptation 

and sin) far away out of the holy land into Babylon, the desolate 

kingdom of the world. 7. The four chariots,^^ which pass out fi'om 29 e. 1-8. 

God's sanctuary, between Zion and Moriah, are the angels of God 

conquering the inimical powers of the world. God's orders^*' that 30 e. 9-15. 

two crowns be set upon the head of Joshua, to picture the future 

priest-king. The temple and the house of David have a great future 

despite the present sad state. 
14 



210 BIBLE LITERATURE. 

31 T. 1—8. 23. 11, Go(Vs command to His people?^ — Whoever desires the glorious 

future must truly serve God, bring offerings with a loving heart, as 

22 7. God often but in vain asked.^^ When God promises mercy instead 

of former wrath He seeks truth, righteousness, and peace in Israel. 
Then fast-days shall be feast-days, in which the Gentiles will take 

33 8. part.^^ 

34 9-14. jll^ 2^/^g 5^(^ ^.^y ^Q future glory }^ — 1. The good Shepherd and 
9-11. jjig sheep.^^ God will destroy His enemies and erect a kingdom of peace 

for all the world. Again the enemies shall come but the shepherd 
will destroy them. Yet his own herd will reject him, therefore it 
86 12-14. must suffer. 2. The holy city and Jehovah's glory.^^ Jerusalem will 
again be Israel's. It returns to its rejected shepherd after being 
long scattered. There is another great contest and victory. Jeru- 
salem is the centre of the world, and all nations shall serve God. 

Zechariah's Wide Outlook. — To look to the very end of 
time, to see all things in the light of the last things characterizes 
Zechariah. He is only surpassed in this by the Revelation of John. 
But the centre about which the hope crystallizes is the Messiah. 

37 12.10. Israel's great sin is that against its Messiah.^^ As by Isaiah, so by 

Zechariah, the suffering Messiah is seen. Indeed so detailed is the 
picture of the suffering Christ, and so constantly are the words of 
Zechariah referred to in the gospel narrative of Jesus' sufferings, that 

38 9. 9; 

11. 12; Zechariah has been well called Wiepropliet of the holy weeh.^^ 

12.10; 

13.7. The Messiah is "The Branch "^^ who shall come forth, the 

S9 ,3. 8. 

40 0. 12, 13 ; priest to build the spiritual temple.*" But He has also the crown of 
cp. 1 Pet. 2. 5. 

41 6. 10 ff. kingdom.*^ Both royal and priestly office are united in Him. As a 

king He shall come to Jerusalem, lowly, but bringing mighty salva- 
tion and conquering the enemies.*^ Over His own He will be a true 

43 1 1 . 1 ff, 

4-111. 10. shepherd.*^ But the staff of " Beauty " (mercy) must He break,^ for 

His flock would reject Him. They would value Him at thirty pieces 
of silver, the price of a slave.*^ So mean is the price that it is cast 

4-6 11. 18. 

47 1 1 . 14. to the potter,*^ and " Bands " are severed and Israel's unity is broken.*' 

When the true shepherd is cast aside an idol-shepherd arises.*^ As 
the true shepherd points to the Christ, the idol-shepherd prefigures 
the Antichrist. But finally again the spirit of grace and prayer shall 



42 9. 9, 10. 



43 11. 12. 



ZECHARIAH. 211 

come upon Israel, when it laments its great sin of the rejection of 

Messiah, and beholds Him whom it has pierced/^ Then will a foiin- *® 12. lo. 

tain for healing of sin be opened in Jerusalem,'''^ and Israel will find ^^la. i. 

the shepherd once smitten by God.^^ Many of the features of the ^^ cp. Is. 53. la 

rejection have been fulfilled in Jesus, He was cast aside by Israel, 

sold for thirty pieces of silver by Judas, the Judean. His price was 

put into the potter's field. He was pierced and under God's sword. 

There yet remains the time of Israel's repentance and its return, 

then the final hope shall be completed and all will be " Holiness to 

the Lord." ^2 52 14. 20. 

Summary. — Deeply has Israel fallen for its sin of the rejec- 
tion of its Messiah. But the Lord God is working out His covenant. 
He has given the priest-king for sin. In Him is salvation. When 
Israel turns to Him then will come the last great glory for Israel and 
the world. And after judgment will come God's millenium. 



PRACTICAL LESSONS. 

1. It is well to know the present from the view of future glory. 

2. God is the Deliverer and Saviour of His people. 

3. God saves by Christ, the eternal high-priest and king. 

4. Israel's great sin for which it still suffers is rejection of Christ. 

5. Israel will return to God. 

6. Repentance is the condition of salvation. 

7. Prophecy already fulfilled guarantees prophecy as yet unfiil- 

filled. 



MALACHI. 



CHAPTEE LII. 

Malachi and His Times. — Of Malachi (my messenger) little 
is known but his name. Therefore some have denied his existence 
and have taken his name as a symbol. But only real prophets stand 
at the head of each book. Malachi was a contemporary of Nehe- 
miah, and most probably prophesied after his second coming to Jeru- 
salem (433-424). Like Nehemiah he opposes the alliances with 

* NT* H^'io oo«- heathen,^ and enjoins upon the people to keep God's covenant,^ and 
^ N h^'i 15 ^^^ ordinances in bringing their offerings.^ The demand of offerings, 
^ Neh \¥ io ^^® mention of the altar and temple show that the place of worship 

* 1. 10 ; must have been rebuilt.* The priests are dishonoring God in polluting 

^i«6ff-; His service, and the people do not support the temple as is right. ^ 

^h^' , , There are civil governors, and the Persian rule still obtains.^ All ihh 
Hag. 1. 1 ; '=' ' 

Neh. 5. 14. ^xes the date of Malachi, as much later than Haggai and Zechariah. 
His Style. — In style Malachi is different from all the other 
prophets. There is no vision, no unfolding of one principle. The 
I form is that of the dialogue. A truth or accusation is stated. 

I Then follows an objection, which the people think or urge. There- 

upon the truth is defended and developed. But this dialectic is 
living. It seems to show the prophet teaching, interrupted, and 
answering the people. His book contains the great leading subjects 
of his teaching. In this teaching we see the age of Ezra, the scribe. 
Contents. — Malachi calls to true repentance. His call is pre- 
1 1. 2—2. 17. ceeded by showing I. The sin of the people? Israel is the people 
which God has chosen. God has taken Israel, but He has not loved 
Esau. In its history Israel may learn, when it murmurs, that not 
8 1. 2-5. all promises are at once fulfilled.^ Jehovah is Israel's glorious God, 

9 1. 6—2. 9. but this people does not honor its God. The priests ^ have despised 
God. They offer polluted offerings. Therefore God will despise 
212 



MALACHI. 213 

them, and put His curse upon tliem, for they have shamefully broken 

the special covenant of God with Levi. The people ^° disregard God, are ^° 2. ia-i7. 

without love to the brethren, and profane the sanctuary. Through 

heathen alliances, and through abandoning the wives of their youth 

they break God's holy law. This is an abomination before God. 

Though mockers say God does not care for such things, He will 

punish. 

II. God's call to repentance}^ The messenger, who shall prepare *^ 3, 4, 
the way for the coming Jehovah, will come and after him the angel 
of the covenant. Soon shall this angel come whom Israel in its 
blindness so desires. But to such a people he comes as judge, who 
separates the good from the wicked, and judges the wicked. Let the 
people therefore be converted, and show a change of heart by their 
deeds. For the day is coming when all despisers of God shall be cut 
off. But to the pious, God will appear as their righteousness, like a 
sun, which in its rays brings salvation and life. Before the great 
judgment and separation, Elijah shall come, who will seek to con- 
vert the people, so that fathers and children help each other toward 
the new life. Then will the curse of destruction, which God will 
send upon the earth, be averted from the land of Israel. 

A New Danger^ — The whole spirit of this book shows the 
new danger to Israel. While there are still temptations to idolatrous 
practices, and the old spirit of disregard of the law ^^ is not alto- ^^ ^* ^* 
gether dead, yet the new danger is that Israel is becoming self- 
satistied. It is expecting reward for its keeping of the law.^^ Phar- ^^ '^* ^*- 
isaism is beginning. Israel forgets that not the heathen but Israel 
itself first deserves judgment, which must begin with the house of 
God, where there is sin.^* Israel must be called to true repentance. ^* ^^'g^^®^ 

The Forerunner of Christ. — Over against Israel's increasing ^ ^^^- ^- ^~ 
narrowness, Malachi, like former prophets, sounds the note of the hope 
of the Gentiles. From the rising of the sun to the going down thereof 
God's name shall be great among them, and they shall offer a pure 
offering of praise and prayer.^^ But to Israel there must come a mes- ^^ i. H- 
senger of repentance.^^ He is a new Elijah, who appears before the ^®*5» i; 4^«o- 
coming of the Lord. The Lord shall come in His angel of the cove- 



214 BIBLE LITERATURE. 

17 from Gen. naiit. Tliis ancient hope of Israel, this divine appearance of old " is 
to be truly realized. The earliest hope is reaffirmed. To His temple 

^^^' 1- will God come.^^ The temple, as with Haggai, is thought of as the 

centre of revelation. But judgment is close to grace. In the com- 

^^Jnff*'/7'inff ^^^ ^^ John the Baptist,^^ the second Elijah has appeared. Israel 
heard him not. Therefore it had to suffer judgment. 

The last word of the Old Testament about the Elijah to come is 
followed by four hundred years of silence of divine revelation. The 
first figure of the new covenant is John the Baptist, linking the old 
to the new covenant. But the expectation "of the great and dread- 

2^ 4. fill day of the Lord " ^° points to the very end of time, when after the 

213. 16. pious ^^ are saved even from Israel, the last Elijah, as the messenger 

of final judgment shall appear. Without counting time the great 
ends in history are seen by God's prophets. 

Summary. — The chosen people is to know that for its sins it 
too will be rejected. But the heathen who shall call upon God shall 
find life. Priests and people must turn from corruption, and prepare 
for God's messenger, who shall go before Him, when He appears on 
earth. If He is not received, judgment will come in the great separ- 
ation. It is well to follow the invitation of the second Elijah and 
repent. 



PRACTICAL LESSONS. 

1. Despite being chosen Israel may lose life. 

2. To despise God's covenant is terrible. 

3. The friendship of the world is enmity toward God. 

4. Repentance is needed to receive the coming Christ. 

5. " The Lord will come " is followed by the message, " He has 

come." 

6. The Lord who has come will come again to final judgment. 



QUESTIONS. 



ST. MATTHEW. 

What can you say about the author and style of the first Gospel? 
What number plays a large part in the book ? What is the purpose of 
Matthew's Gospel ? For whom was this Gospel intended ? What is the 
Kingdom which the Messiah brings, called in this Gospel ? What beau- 
tiful phrase does St. Matthew use in speaking to us of God ? What 
does this Gospel show ? What story does St. Matthew contain ? What 
particulars of the infancy and childhood of Jesus does St. Matthew 
give? What kind of a kingdom is Christ's kingdom shown to be? 
How only can men enter that Kingdom ? Whom does Christ choose to 
carry on His work after Him ? To what does He open the disciples' 
eyes? With what Jewish sect does Jesus come into conflict? How do 
the disciples receive Christ's predictions of sufferings ? What do the 
disciples need in order to appreciate His Kingdom better ? How must 
their life be molded ? How is the triumph of the King in time and 
eternity shown by Matthew ? What fate should befall Jerusalem and 
why? What do the closing chapters 26-28 contain? Mention some 
practical lessons taught by this Gospel. 

ST. MARK. 

What is to be said of the similarity between St. Mark and St. Mat- 
thew ? Which writers of the Gospel are called synoptists, and why ? 
In what way was the record of the Gospel at first preserved ? Of what 
apostle is St. Mark an interpreter? What can you say about the style 
in which St. Mark's Gospel is written ? What personal touches show 
that he is Peter's interpreter ? What is the aim of St. Mark's Gospel ? 
What does it seek to show? For whom was his Gospel intended? 
With an account of what man does St. Mark open ? What was John 
the Baptist's message ? How does St. Mark introduce his account of 
the Lord ? What do the Lord's enemies charge Him with ? How does 
the Lord answer them? What effect is produced on His enemies? 
How does the Lord provide for the future proclamation of His King- 
dom ? How are the disciples brought to believe in Him ? With what 
does the second part of St. Mark's Gospel begin ? What are the dis- 

215 



216 BIBLE LITERATURE. 

ciples to be made to see by means of Christ's miracles? To what 
spiritual state are the disciples gradually brought ? What do the dis- 
ciples not yet understand ? What grace should rule in them in view of 
their sufferings ? How does this new life of love manifest itself? Why 
does Jesus enter upon the way of suffering ? After His death how does 
Jesus reappear ? What central idea runs through this Gospel ? What 
are its practical lessons ? 

ST. LUKE. 

What can you say about the style of Luke's Gospel ? What is to be 

said concerning the relation of Luke to Paul? Mention some of the 

Gospel narratives which are found in Luke alone. For whom was 

Luke's Gospel written? In what light does it exhibit Christ? How 

does it view Him in His relation to sinners ? What makes the Gospel 

the great missionary power? Give a summary of the contents of Luke. 

What kind of feeling prevades this third Gospel ? Name some of the 

early Christian hymns voicing this joy. What does this Gospel have to 

say on the subject of prayer? How does this Gospel exhibit Christ's 

mercy and graciousness ? What incidents in the life of John the Bap. 

tist and of Jesus are given by Luke alone ? What is the picture of 

woman given to us by Luke ? To what class or kind of people does 

Luke especially direct his attention ? Mention some examples of this 

Gospel's attention to the lowly. How is the toleration of love taught ? 

Give a brief account of the story of Christ in historical order. How 

does Luke bring out the human side of Christ ? Beneath this human 

exterior what is revealed? What was Christ's purpose in coming? 

Who are the greatest objects of the Saviour's care ? For whom is His 

grace intended? What practical lessons do we learn from Luke's 

Gospel? 

ST. JOHN. 

How does Luther characterize the Gospel of John ? Mention some 
of the facts brought out in the Gospel which exhibit the intimate rela- 
tion between John and Jesus. What vivid account of events mark 
John as an eye-witness ? What is to be said of the language of John ? 
Mention some of John's favorite words. Why is a proper understand- 
ing of these words important? Name some characters which John 
has clearly drawn. Show the essential agreement between John and 
the Synoptists. To whom are Christ's discourses in John chiefly 
addressed? What is the center in the Synoptists and what in John? 
What is the nature of his illustrations? Mention some of these 



QUESTIONS. 217 

types. What is the supreme problem in John's Gospel ? What does 
John aim to exhibit in the personality of Christ? What is the central 
fact in his view of Christ? How does he regard everything that 
occurs ? What is the keynote and purpose of John's Gospel ? What 
eflPect does Christ's presence produce upon men? What separation 
does He effect ? What name is given to Christ in the introduction to 
John's Gospel ? What is the meaning of the name "The Word" as 
applied to Christ? How does this "Word" reveal Himself to the 
world? What effect does revelation not produce on the mixed multi- 
tude ? How does Christ reveal Himself to His Disciples ? Give a brief 
summary of the character and contents of John's Gospel. What prac- 
tical lessons may we learn ? 

THE ACTS OF THE APOSTLES. 

By whom and when was Acts written ? What is to be said of its 
style and general character ? How are apparent contradictions between 
Acts and the Epistles to be explained? What was Luke's purpose in 
writing Acts ? To whom did Paul first address the Gospel ? Why did 
he turn to the Gentiles ? How does Luke portray Christ in the Acts ? 
In what incidents is Christ vividly brought out as the Lord in His 
people ? How does He exhibit the activity of the Holy Spirit ? What 
important fact marks the divisions of the early history of the Church ? 
What is recorded in the first section of Acts ? What is recorded in the 
second section ? What is^ecorded in the third section ? What is rec- 
orded in the fourth section ? When Acts ends how far had the Gospel 
extended ? By whom is the development of the Church guided ? How 
does Christ work in His Church ? Who rejected and who gained the 
Kingdom ? What was established in the world ? By what means did 
the Word of God increase ? What practical lessons do we learn from 
Acts? 

ROMANS. 

Why were the New Testament epistles written? What is to be 
said of their universal application ? Which apostolic letters have been 
preserved to us? Who is the most noted letter writer of the New 
Testament ? What is to be said of his diction ? Why are Paul's letters 
at times hard to understand? What revelation of his inner self do 
Paul' s letters give us ? Romans is the foremost of what group of letters ? 
Where and when was it written? Why did Paul for a long time refrain 
from going to Rome ? What great truth does Paul unfold in Romans ? 



218 BIBLE LITERATUEE. 

What is the theme of the Epistle ? Why is salvation necessary ? How 
only can men be justified ? Who receive righteousness and remission 
of sins ? How were men justified under the Old Testament covenant ? 
What results follow upon justification? For whom has justification 
been made possible ? What effect has the grace of God on our life ? 
Why dare not Christians live in sin? What hinders us from doing 
God's will perfectly even when we desire to do so ? Why does not the 
law condemn the believer? How should the believer live and act? 
Why did Israel lose its privileges ? When will there be a general con- 
version of the Jews ? What practical exhortations are given ? Give a 
summary of this epistle to the Romans. What lessons may we learn 
from this epistle ? 

I CORINTHIANS. 

Describe Corinth and its inhabitants. What effect did the moral atmos- 
phere of the city have upon the church there ? Give an account of the 
founding of the church at Corinth. What occasioned the writing of 
this letter ? What determined its character ? What does it seek to 
correct ? What is the true power in human relations ? How does the 
Gospel appear to the world? What would the Gospel do with the 
world's wisdom? What is the Crucified One in reality? How is He 
brought to men ? Upon whom is the Church founded ? What does the 
Holy Spirit make of those who receive His grace? What evils in the 
Church does Paul reprove ? What does he say about a party-spirit in 
the Church ? How should the Church act toward those who scandalize 
it ? What does Paul say about the Christian's contention in the courts ? 
What does he say about the sin of uncleanness ? What does he say 
about marriage ? What does he say about eating meats oflered to idols ? 
What does he say about woman in the public worship? What is the 
object of the Lord's Table? What does Paul say about the resurrection 
of the body ? What does the closing chapter contain ? Give a summary 
of the contents of this book. What practical lessons are taught by 
this epistle ? 

II CORINTHIANS. 

Why was a second letter to the Corinthians necessary? How much 
had the fiirst letter accomplished? What evils still remained in the 
church ? Against what false teachers did Paul defend himself? What 
does he say about the triumph of the cross ? What does he say about 
the Christian's victory in suffering? Into what three parts does this 
letter naturally divide? What does Paul say about his apostleship? 



QUESTIONS. 219 

What should arouse the Corinthians' and our liberality? How does 
Paul defend his apostolic authority? In what light does this letter 
exhibit St. Paul? Why do Christians carry the cross? What shall the 
result, however, finally be ? What kind of a ministry is that of the 
New Testament ? What should Christ's self-denial and poverty move 
us to do? What practical lessons do we learn from this epistle ? 

GALATIANS. 

To whom was this letter addressed ? What is the character of this 
letter? What are Paul's feelings toward the churches of Galatia? 
What had happened to the churches there ? What great central and 
fundamental doctrine of Christianity does Paul defend in this epistle ? 
Whom does Paul oppose? How alone is man to be saved? Is the 
Christian free from the law or still in bondage to it ? What is the 
believer's relation to God? How does the believer fulfill the law? 
What is established by this epistle ? In what great religious movement 
did the epistle to the Galatians play an important part ? Into how many 
parts is this epistle divided ? "What does the first part defend ? What does 
the second part unfold ? Which covenant of the Old Testament was first, 
that of promise (the Gospel) or that of law ? What is the object of the 
law ? What does the third part contain ? How should the believers 
work ? Who is the only way of peace and salvation ? How only are 
we justified? How does faith work? What practical lessons do we 
learn from this epistle ? — 

EPHESIANS. 

What series of Paul's letters begins with Ephesians ? What is to be 
said on the question as to whether this letter was addressed to the 
Ephesians? Describe the relations between St. Paul and the Ephe- 
sians. What success had the Gospel in Ephesus? At what time and 
from what place was this letter probably written ? What is the central 
truth of this epistle ? What is the special purpose of this epistle ? 
What is the relation between Christ and His Church ? What does it 
show was God's eternal purpose? Into what two parts is the epistle 
divided? Give a summary of the first part. Give a summary of the 
second part. For what does the apostle give thanks in the first part ? 
What are these blessings? Through whom are these blessings com- 
municated? By whom are they sealed to us? How is God's power 
manifest in Christ? How is it manifest in individuals? How is it 
manifest in all mankind? What is the whole Church exhorted to keep? 



220 BIBLE LITERATURE. 

To what different classes of persons does the apostle give directions? 
Give a summary of this epistle. What practical lessons may we learn 
from this epistle ? 

PHILIPPIANS. 
When did St. Paul first come to Philippi ? Describe his experience 
there ? Describe his subsequent relations with the Philippians. What 
is to be said of the character of this epistle ? What is to be said about 
the style in which it is written? What does "Philippians" reflect? 
How does this letter show the tenderness of St. Paul's feelings for the 
Philippians ? What do the Philippians yet need ? What doctrines does 
Paul exhibit in this epistle ? How is righteousness apprehended ? 
What follows upon faith ? For what does St. Paul offer up a prayer 
of thanksgiving ? To what does he exhort the Philippians? Who is 
our great example of self-denying humility ? Against what two errors 
does Paul warn the Philippians? Does grace mean that Christians dare 
continue in sin? What must the Christian's life be? In closing his 
epistle to what does Paul exhort the Philippians ? Give a summary of 
this epistle. What practical lessons are taught by this epistle? 

COLOSSIANS. 

Tell what you know about Colossae. Who founded the churches in 
Colossse and its vicinity ? Why does Paul write to them ? When was 
this letter written? Describe the character of this epistle. What is 
the object of this epistle ? What were some wicked men trying to sub- 
stitute for Christ? What human commandments did these false 
teachers emphasize? What damage were these errorists doing? In 
order to oppose these errorists, what does St. Paul put as the centre of 
this epistle? What does he exalt? In whom does the "mystery of 
God " become manifest ? How did Christ triumph over the power of 
evil and free us from the corruption of sin? How is the new life in 
Christ given ? For what does St. Paul offer thanksgiving to God at the 
beginning of this epistle ? What does he pray for them ? What place 
does Christ hold in the plan of God ? How would the Colossians be led 
to full holiness? How was Paul carrying out God's plan? What 
admonitions does he give the Colossians? What life are they to read? 
Give a summary of this epistle. What practical lessons are taught by 
this epistle ? 

I AND II THESSALONIANS. 

What can you tell about Thessalonica ? How was the church estab- 
lished there ? What persecution did it suffer ? What is said about the 



QUESTIONS. 221 

faith of the Thessalonians ? What was the chief purpose of this 
epistle ? What mistaken expectation did the Thessalonians cherish ? 
What were they troubled about ? How did St. Paul comfort them ? 
How is Jesus exhibited in this letter ? What two parts may be distin- 
guished in this epistle ? What filled Paul's heart with joy? From what 
shall the Thessalonians keep themselves free ? What does Paul say 
about Christ's second coming ? What virtues shall be exercised in all 
the relations of life ? Give a summary of I Thessalonians. What prac- 
tical lessons are taught by it ? What is to be said about the character 
of II Thessalonians ? What is its purpose ? When will Christ come ? 
What is said about Antichrist ? What two parts does this letter con- 
tain? What is the object of the coming judgment ? How shall Chris- 
tians conduct themselves in view of it? Give a summary of this 
epistle. Give its practical lessons. 

I AND II TIMOTHY. 

Which are the pastoral epistles and what do they contain ? Men- 
tion some favorite expressions used in these epistles. Why is God 
called our Saviour? What great doctrine is again found in these 
epistles? What errors are met? Whose duties are enumerated? 
When and under what circumstances was I Timothy written? What 
position and office did Timothy occupy ? What is Timothy exhorted 
to hold fast? What does the apostle say about order in worship? 
What does he say about church officers ? Against whom is Timothy 
warned and what is he exhorted to be? How is he to conduct himself? 
About what time and under what circumstances was II Timothy writ- 
ten ? What work is Timothy exhorted to do ? What virtues are to 
mark Timothy? What is to be his attitude toward word-strifes? 
How shall he withstand and oppose false teachers and false teaching ? 
Give a summary of II Timothy. What practical lessons are taught in 
these epistles ? 

TITUS-PHILEMON. 

To whom was the third pastoral letter addressed ? Tell what you 
know about Titus. In what island was Titus stationed ? What was the 
object of this letter ? What conditions in the Church in Crete had to be 
met? Of what is Titus to show himself a pattern? What doctrine 
does Paul summarize in this letter against error ? What does he say 
about the qualifications of elders ? What duties does he unfold in this 
epistle? What does God's saving grace teach us to do? Give a sum- 



222 BIBLE LITERATURE. 

mary of this epistle. Give its practical lessons. Tell what you knew 
about Philemon. Tell what you know about Onesimus. What is th€ 
character of this letter? What is the object of this letter? What 
request does it make? What makes this letter of great value to us^ 
What bearing has it on the social question? What effect does the 
Gospel produce upon the social relations of the higher and lower 
classes ? How are the social relations improved by Christianity? Give 
a summary of the epistle to Philemon. What practical lessons does 
this epistle teach ? 

HEBREWS. 

What is to be said of Hebrews as an epistle? What is to be said 
of its style? What is to be said about its authorship? To whom 
was it addressed ? What was the occasion for its writing ? What was 
its object? What is the theme of Hebrews? Through whom alone 
have we the better and eternal hope ? What has Christ done for us to 
secure this hope for us ? What great truth concerning the person of 
Jesus is laid down? What made the salvation brought about by His 
death so great a salvation ? Who only obtains eternal rest ? What is 
to be said of Christ as the one great High-priest? What effect has His 
great sacrifice for us produced? Why are the prophetic sacrifices of 
propitiation at an end ? What is to be the believer's attitude toward 
Christ? What shall happen to those who deny Christ? What history 
should give the believers new inspiration under their trials? How 
should they run their Christian race ? Give a summary of this epistle. 
What are its practical lessons ? 

ST. JAMES. 

Which are the Catholic epistles and what is meant by the term ? 
What is to be said about the style of the Epistle of St. James ? What is 
to be said about its author ? To whom is this epistle addressed ? What 
sins does this epistle reprove? What is needed to overcome these sins? 
What words of Christ does St. James go back to ? What is to be said 
about the new birth ? What seeming contradiction appears at first 
glance between St. James and St. Paul ? Show that there is no real 
contradiction. What works does Paul condemn? What works does 
James demand? Explain the difference between the word justifica- 
tion as used by Paul and by James ? How are outward trials to be met ? 
How are inward trials to be met? Through what means are our selfish 
desires to be conquered ? How must the Word of God be received ? 



QUESTIONS. 223 

What is said about faith without v%''orks? What follows from true 
faith ? How is strife to be avoided and peace secured ? What exhorta- 
tions are given to the rich and the poor respectively ? What is to be 
prayed for? Give a summary of this epistle. What are its practical 
lessons ? 

I AND II PETER. 

What is to be said of the general character of I Peter ? What 
is to be said about its language and style ? By whom was this letter 
composed for Peter ? With what were the readers of this epistle to be 
impressed, and why ? To whom was the epistle written ? What was 
the occasion for the writing of this epistle ? What was its purpose ? 
What is its keynote? What exhortation is given to the pilgrims? 
What is said of the spiritual priesthood ? In what various circum- 
stances are believers exhorted to retain their dignity as a spiritual 
priesthood ? How must the pure life of believers appear ? Give a sum- 
mary of this epistle. What are its practical lessons ? What is to be 
said of the style of II Peter ? What is to be said about the date when 
it v/as written ? To whom was it addressed ? What does it especially 
emphasize ? Against whom are the Christians warned ? What is the 
aim of II Peter ? What admonitions does it give ? Give a summary of 
II Peter. What are its practical lessons ? 

I, II, III JOHN, JUDE. 

What is to be said about I John as an epistle ? What is to be said of 
its style by way of comparison with the Gospel of John ? By whom 
and where was it written ? What is John's purpose in this epistle ? To 
what danger are believers still exposed? What is needed in them? 
What is to he done with all spirits so that error may be avoided? What 
is the great error? What does the apostle desire the believers to have? 
How will this fellowship with God be manifest ? What close relation 
does fellowship with God imply? What does sonship bring? How 
are men to be tried ? When does the love come which keeps God's 
commandments? Give a summary of I John. What are its prac- 
tical lessons? What is to be said of the style of II John? To 
whom is it addressed, and who is meant by the title ? Over what fact 
does the apostle express his joy? To what does he exhort? Give 
a summary of II John. Give its practical lessons. What is to be said 
about the style and general character of III John ? Wherein lies the 
importance of this letter ? Give a summary of III John. What is to 



224 BIBLE LITERATURE. 

be said about the author of the epistle of Jude? What is to be said in 
general of its contents and style? What important exhortation does 
Jude give to the Christians in view of false teachers ? Give a summary 
of Jude. Give its practical lessons. 

REVELATION. 
What is to be said of the style and authorship of the book of 
Revelation ? To whom was it first sent ? What is to be said of the 
date when it was written ? What is the aim of Revelation ? What 
does it describe ? Does it contain history or visions ? What is to be 
said about the fulfillment of its visions ? Give an account of the first 
vision. In how many visions is an account given of what shall be 
hereafter? Describe the first vision. Describe the second vision, 
concerning the seven trumpets. Describe the third vision, concerning 
the woman in the wilderness. Describe the fourth vision, concerning 
the seven vials of God's wrath. Describe the fifth vision, concerning 
the fall of Babylon. Describe the sixth vision, concerning the coming 
of the Lord. Describe the seventh vision, concerning the heavenly 
Jerusalem. Give a summary of the contents of Revelation. What are 
its practical lessons ? 

INTRODUCTION TO THE OLD TESTAMENT. 
What does the Old Testament contain? How did men receive 
God's dealings ? How does Jesus refer to the Old Testament ? How 
does Peter refer to the Old Testament? How does Paul regard the Old 
Testament ? What does the Epistle to the Hebrews unfold concerning 
the Old Testament ? What Old Testament emblems does the Apoca- 
lypse contain ? What is meant by the Pentateuch? What do the dif- 
ferent books tell? What is to be said about the style of the Penta- 
teuch? What is to be said about the authorship of the Pentateuch? 
How may the Bible be defined? To whom does the Old Testament 
look ? The dealings of God with what people are recorded in the Old 
Testament ? What is to be said about its record ? What is the end and 
centre of the Old Testament ? What are the practical lessons? 

GENESIS. 

Whom does Genesis introduce to us? How does it describe the 

work of creation? What is said concerning the creation of man? 

What was the occasion and the consequence of the fall into sin? 

What promise is given ? What two lines of men arise ? What punish- 



QUESTIONS. 225 

ment did the corruption of men bring in the course of time ? What 
family formed a new beginning of mankind? What kind of a covenant 
did God make with them ? Name the three sons of Noah and the 
branches of the human race which sprang from them. Describe the 
nature and effects of the confusion of tongues at Babel. Through what 
race is the grace of God unfolded? What does Israel's history teli? 
Give an account of Abraham and his life-history. Give an account of 
Isaac. Give an account of Jacob. Give an account of Joseph. Whom 
does Joseph, rejected by his brethren, foreshadow ? Give a brief sum- 
mary of the teachings of Genesis. What practical lessons does it 
teach ? 

EXODUS. 

What does Exodus tell about Israel in Egypt? Give an account of 
the early years of Moses. Give an account of Moses before Pharaoh. 
What does the Passover signify? Describe Israel's departure from 
Egypt and the crossing of the Red Sea. Describe the journey to Mt. 
Sinai. Give an account of the laws given Israel at Mt. Sinai. Describe 
the sanctuary which God directed to have built. Describe the daily 
services. How did Israel break the covenant at Mt. Sinai ? How was 
God's just wrath averted ? Of whom did Moses thus become a type ? 
Describe the completion of the sanctuary. Give a summary of Exodus. 
What are the practical lessons taught by Exodus ? 

LEVITICUS. 

Name the five different sacrifices, and describe them. How must 
the priests be prepared for their work ? What kind of persons must 
the priests be and why? Describe the high-priest and his apparel. 
Who are consecrated as priests ? How were the sacrifices to be kindled ? 
How was the lesson of cleanness of heart to be enforced ? By what is 
the corruption of sin shown ? Describe the annual day of atonement. 
By what are the laws of purification followed ? How did God deal with 
the individual in Israel ? In eating, what was to be avoided ? What 
other directions for holy living were given? How were transgressors 
of the law treated ? What sins were especially heinous ? What is to be 
said about the holiness of priests ? Mention the great festivals of the 
Israelites. With respect to the law, between what is Israel to choose ? 
How are transgressors saved ? Give a summary of the book. Give the 
practical lessons. 
15 



226 BIBLE LITERATURE. 

NUMBERS. 
What is the general character of the contents of Numbers ? De- 
scribe the taking of the census. What was a Nazarite ? Describe the 
last happenings before the departure from Mt. Sinai. Describe the 
complaints of Israel and the consequences. Give an account of the 
murmuring of Aaron and Miriam against Moses. Give an account of 
the twelve spies. What punishment did God inflict on Israel for their 
unbelief? Mention a few of the occurrences during the forty years' 
wandering. Describe the rebellion of Korah. How was Aaron's right 
to the special priesthood confirmed ? Mention some of the events after 
the forty years had passed. Give an account of Balaam's relation to 
Israel. Mention some of the events contained in the concluding chap- 
ters of Numbers. Give a summary of the book. Give its practical 
lessons. 

DEUTERONOMY. 
What is the general character of the book of Deuteronomy? 
What is the main content of Moses' first oration? Give a short 
description of Israel's conduct at Kadesh, and its consequences. 
What appeal does Moses make to Israel ? Why was Moses not per- 
mitted to enter Canaan ? How shall Israel retain God's favor? What 
are the contents of the second oration ? How does Moses exhort them 
to behave in the promised land of Canaan ? What laws and directions 
does Moses repeat ? What does the third oration contain ? What does 
Moses unfold in it ? What curses would follow disobedience ? What 
does the fourth oration contain ? How does Moses encourage Israel in 
his farewell words? Who was appointed leader in Moses' place? 
How had God shown His care for Israel ? How did God bring them to 
repentance when they sinned ? What does the closing part of the 
book contain ? Give a summary of the book. Give its practical lessons. 

JOSHUA. 

What can you tell about the prophetic-historical books of the Old 
Testament? Which is the first book in this class? What name is 
sometimes given to the first six books of the Bible ? In what way was 
Joshua the inaugurator of a new era? Describe the circumstances 
attending Israel's entrance into the promised land. What city of 
Canaan was the first to fall into their hands ? Describe the taking of 
Ai. Give an account of Israel's wars with the Canaanites. Give an 



QUESTIONS. 227 

account of tlie division of Canaan among the tribes of Israel. To 
whom was Joshua's first farewell addressed and what did it contain ? 
To whom was Joshua's second farewell addressed and what did it con- 
tain ? Give a summary of the book of Joshua. Around what three 
thoughts does the book of Joshua move, and how are these three 
thoughts brought out? What are the practical lessons taught by this 
book? 

JUDGES. 
Describe in general the times of the Judges. Did tic Israelites 
drive out all the Canaanites? What was the result of Israel's failure 
to drive out all the Canaanites ? What does the main part of the book 
of Judges show ? Mention the first oppression and deliverance of 
Israel. Describe the second oppression and deliverance of Israel. 
Give the history of Deborah and Barak. Give the historj^ of Gideon. 
Give the story of Jephthah and his vow. Give the history of Samson. 
What two additional pictures are given by Judges? What lessons 
underlie the history of this period ? What practical lessons are taught 
by this book ? Describe the character of the book of Ruth. Give an 
account of its contents. What lessons does the history give us to 
teach ? What are the practical lessons to be learned from the book of 
Ruth? 

I SAMUEL. 

What is the general character of the first and second books 
of Samuel? Why are they named after Samuel? What are they 
called in the Greek and Latin translations? Give an account 
of the birth and childhood of Samuel. Give an account of Eli 
and his sons. What punishment came upon Eli and his sons? 
What fitted Samuel for his prophetic work ? Describe the loss 
and restoration of the Ark. Give an account of Israel's demand for a 
king and the anointing of Sau Describe Saul's disobedience and his 
rejection by God. Describe the rise of David. Give an account of 
David's flight from Saul's persecutions. What does this book show? 
What practical lessons does it teach ? 

II SAMUEL. 

Describe the events connected with David's reign over Judah. Give 
an account of David's reign over all Israel. What promise was given to 
David ? What great sins did David commit ? What prophet reproved 



228 BIBLE LITERATURE. 

him and how? Give an account of Absalom's rebellion. How did 
David gain time to prepare for defence ? What was Absalom's fate ? 
What accounts are given in the concluding chapters of the book ? How 
does David speak of God in his mighty Psalm of Praise ? What other 
sin of David is yet mentioned, and what resulted from that sin? Give 
a summary of the second book of Samuel. What does the life of David 
unfold ? What practical lessons may we learn from this book ? 

I KINGS. 

What story does the books of Kings continue ? What is their main 
content ? How do they divide their attention between the two king- 
doms of Israel and Judah ? What is to be said about their general 
character and style ? With whose reign does I Kings open ? Give an 
account of the establishment of Solomon on the throne. Give an 
account of Solomon at the height of his power and glory. Give an 
account of the building of the temple. What else is to be said about 
Solomon's building enterprises ? Describe the dedication of the temple. 
What promise is given to Solomon ? Describe the decay of Solomon's 
kingdom. Describe the division of the kingdom. Describe the doings 
of Jeroboam. Describe the conduct of Rehoboam and his son. Give 
an account of Asa. Mention the five succeeding kings. Why was the 
friendship between the two kingdoms dangerous ? Give an account of 
Ahab. Describe the work of Elijah. Tell what you know about Ahab 
and Naboth's vineyard. Give a summary of I Kings. What are its 
practical lessons ? 

II KINGS. 

What story does II Kings continue ? With what account does it 
open? Describe Elijah's departure from the world. Give the name 
and an account of the early doings of Elijah's successor. Mention some 
of his later miracles. How long does the conflict between the two king- 
doms continue ? Describe Jehu's work. Give an account of Jehoash. 
Give an account of Amaziah. What happened to the kingdom of 
Israel ? How long did the kingdom of Judah endure after that of Israel 
was destroyed ? Give an account of Hezekiah and Sennacherib. Who 
was the noblest king of Judah? Give an account of him. Give an 
account of Jehoiakim. Give an account of Jehoiachin. Give an account 
of the fall of the kingdom of Judah. Give a summary of this book. Give 
the practical lessons taught by this book, 



QUESTIONS. 229 

I AND II CHRONICLES. 
Describe the g:eneral character of the books of Chronicles. Give 
some idea of the genealogical tables contained in I Chronicles. What 
does the writer desire to show by his genealogies? Why were such 
lessons needed ? From whose life and work was Israel to draw its first 
and largest inspiration ? How does David use his power and influence ? 
Describe the bringing back of the ark. Why was David not permitted 
to build the temple ? What preparations for the building of the temple 
does David make? Describe the last scenes in David's life. How is 
Solomon first shown ? Describe Solomon's work of building the temple. 
Describe the dedication of the temple. What is the purpose of these 
books of Chronicles? What side of history is told? How are the 
lives of the good kings regarded ? What was the aim of the writers ? 
What forms the centre of the history? What is made prominent in 
these accounts ; why ? How is God portrayed in these books ? What 
are the practical lessons ? 

EZRA. 

What other book originally formed one with Ezra ? What is to be said 
about the language of Ezra ? In what language was part of Ezra origi- 
nally written ? What is to be said about the authorship of Ezra ? Of 
what two parts does the book of Ezra consist ? Give an account of the 
return of the Jews to Palestine. Give an account of the rebuilding of 
Jerusalem and its temple. Give an account of afiairs after Ezra came to 
Jerusalem. Does Ezra give a complete history of the return of the 
Jews? To what account is the most space given? What was it the 
purpose of Ezra to describe? How only could Israel be a blessing to 
the nations ? Give a summary of the book of Ezra. What practical 
lessons are taught by this book ? 

NEHEMIAH-ESTHER. 

What is the exact title of the book of Nehemiah ? What is to be 
said of its authorship? Describe the rebuilding of the walls of 
Jerusalem. Describe some of the hindrances with which the building 
had to contend. Give an account of the restoration of order by Nehe- 
miah. Give an account of Nehemiah's second return from Shushan to 
Jerusalem. Give a summary of the book of Nehemiah. What are the 
practical lessons taught by this book ? Describe the character of the 
book of Esther. Describe the manner in which Esther became queen. 



230 BIBLE LITERATURE. 

Describe the conduct of Haman. What plot did Haman form? How 
did Haman unintentionally help to exalt Mordecai, whom he hated? 
How was Haman's plot frustrated and what became of him ? What 
festival did the Jew's afterwards celebrate and why ? What is the pur- 
pose of the book of Esther? What are its practical lessons? 

JOB. 
Describe the character of the book of Job. What keynote does it 
strike ? Into what great question does it inquire ? What is contained 
in the prologue? What contest ensues between Job and his friends? 
With what assertion does Eliphaz begin ? What reason do the friends 
of Job, in their first attempt, assign for suffering? In their second 
attempt, what do Job's friends seek to do? How does Job receive their 
words ? Give an accoun' of their third attempt. Who now gives the 
human answer to the problem ? What does Elihu say sufferings are ? 
What does God ask Job to do? What does creation show? In his 
second reply, what does God unfold ? How does God treat Job's three 
friends ? What does he restore to Job ? What then is God's final 
answer concerning suffering ? Why is the righteous tried ? What is 
the object of chastisement ? Are the stifferings of the righteous a result 
of God's wrath; of what, then? What does submission to suffering 
testify before men and Satan? What is the final and full answer of the 
hoping glimpses of the Old Testament ? What practical lessons are 
taught by this book ? 

PSALMS. 

What can you say about the structure of the Psalms ? Describe 
Hebrew poetry. What are the Psalms ? What do the superscriptions 
of the Psalms contain? Mention the authors of the Psalms and how 
many each composed. Y/hat is the character of the Psalms of David? 
What do they show? What is the difference in style between his 
earlier and later Psalms ? Describe David's penitential Psalms. What 
is the cliara.cter of David's latest Psalms? How many books do the 
Psalms form? What two moral problems do the Psalms present? 
Mention the difierent classes of Psalms. Tell what you know of 
the Messianic Psalms. What references to the Psalms are found in the 
New Testament ? What is to be said about the use of the Psalms by 
the Church ? Wherein does their great value as a treasury of devotion 
consist? What does Luther say of the Psalms? What practical 
lessons do they teach ? 



QUESTIONS. 231 

PROVERBS. 
"What are the Proverbs ? "Who was the most noted originator of 
Proverbs? Describe their structure. "What do the Proverbs teach? 
What does the first section contain ? How do they contrast wisdom and 
folly ? "What does the second section contain ? "What other men beside 
Solomon contributed to the Proverbs ? "What is the central thought of 
the Proverbs ? How may this wisdom be best characterized ? "What 
do the Proverbs have to say with regard to right social relations? 
What sins are especially warned against ? What do the Proverbs have 
to say about the home, the maintenance of order, the place and char- 
acter of woman ? Define wisdom. Whence is it ? In whom does wis- 
dom find its fulfillment ? Give a summary of the book of Proverbs. 
What are its practical lessons ? 

ECCLESIASTES. 
What is to be said of the style and authorship of this book? 
What is its fundamental theme ? Y/hat is the conclusion to which the 
vanity of earthly things should lead us ? What does this book show 
with respect to the old and new covenants ? Of how many essays does 
the book consist ? What does the first essay contain ? What does the 
second essay contain ? What does the third essay contain ? How is 
the wise man to conduct himself under earthly hardships? What 
does the fourth essay contain ? What is said about work ? What is 
said about remembering God? Give a summary of the book. What 
are its practical lessons ? 

SONG OF SONGS. 

What is to be said of the authorship of this book ? What is to 
be said of the style in which it is written ? Give an account of its 
structure. What is the story about which this idyl is woven ? Of how 
many parts does it consist ? Describe the Wedding Day. Describe the 
Bride's Memories. Describe the day of betrothal. Describe the 
troubled dream. What is the fifth part of this song ? What is the 
sixth part? What is the seventh part? What is the object of this 
story of love ? Of what is it a type ? Give a summary of the book. 
"What are its practical lessons ? 

ISAIAH. 

Which are the "later prophets," and why are they so named? 
Why are these writings to be distinguished from the historical-prophetic 



232 BIBLE LITEEATURE. 

books? Who are called the greater prophets? Who is the mightiest 
representative of the prophets ? Describe the style in which his book 
is written. What difference in style exists between the earlier and 
later chapters of Isaiah. How may this difference in style be accounted 
for? What four great events influenced the prophecies of Isaiah? 
What six groups of prophecies does the book contain ? What is the 
purpose of the whole book of Isaiah? Why must Israel be punished? 
Who shall be saved from destruction ? What three stages of deliver- 
ance does Isaiah foresee? What does Isaiah teach concerning God? 
What is God's purpose ? What does Isaiah have to say concerning the 
Messiah ? Why is Isaiah called the evangelist of the Old Testament ? 
Give a summary of this book. Give its practical lessons. 

JEREMIAH— LAMENTATIONS. 

Who is the second great prophet ? What can you tell of his life 
and work ? What can you say about the date of his prophecies ? 
What is to be said of the style of Jeremiah's prophecies ? What is 
the purpose of Jeremiah? What was the cause of Israel's rejection? 
How would this rejection be carried out? Mention some of the truths 
taught by this book. What does it say concerning the Messiah ? Give 
a summary of Jeremiah. What practical lessons are taught by Jere- 
miah? What are the characteristics of Lamentations? What does 
Jeremiah say in these Lamentations ? Give an account of the contents 
of this book. To whom do the wretchedness and sorrow painted in 
Lamentations point ? What practical lessons are taught by Lamenta- 
tions ? 

EZEKIEL. 

What particulars can you give about the prophet Ezekiel ? What 
is to be said of the style of his book ? What is a remarkable feature 
of Ezekiel ? Give the order in which the prophecies of Ezekiel follow 
one another. What is the purpose of Ezekiel ? What does the intro- 
duction unfold ? How is the judgment of Jerusalem to be regarded ? 
Describe the restoration which is promised to Israel. What mighty 
vision is given in chapters 40 — 48 ? How does Ezekiel portray God ? 
What is God carrying out, and how? To whom will He show mercy? 
About whom does the highest hope center? How is the Messiah 
described? Give a summary of the book of Ezekiel. What are its 
practical lessons ? 



QUESTIONS. 233 

DANIEL. 

"What is to be said about the author of this book? What evidence 
of Daniel's authorship does this book give ? What is to be said about 
the language of Daniel ? What is the purpose of Daniel. Of what two 
parts does the book consist ? Give in brief the history contained in the 
book of Daniel. What is the first vision given ? What is the second 
vision? What is the third vision ? What is the fourth, vision? What 
does the book of Daniel show ? How is the Messiah exhibited ? Give 
summary of the book of Daniel. What practical lessons does it 
teach ? 

HOSEA. 

Which are the minor prophets and why are they so called ? Tell 
what you know about the prophet Hosea. What is to be said concern- 
ing the character of his writings? What does Hosea contain? Under 
what figure is God described ? What will God do unto Israel and why ? 
What is the central theme of the second part of Hosea ? What promise 
is given ? How is Israel's sin described ? What does God seek to do 
with Israel ? Describe His dealings with Israel. What do these deal- 
ings reveal? What reference does Hosea make to the Messiah? Give 
a summary of the book. Give its practical lessons. 

JOEL. 

Tell what you know about Joel. When did he prophesy? What is 
to be said of the language and style of Joel ? What is the purpose 
of Joel? Into what two parts is his book divided? What does the 
first part contain ? What does the second part contain ? How may 
the book of Joel be characterized? What does he say about the 
calamities of life? How is God's favor to be found? What truth 
brought out prominently by Joel runs through all prophecy ? On the 
conception of what great event has Joel exercised a powerful influence ? 
Under what images is the end described ? What great promise is given ? 
Give a summary of Joel. Give the practical lessons. 

AMOS-OBADIAH. 

Tell what you know about Amos. What is to be said of the 
state of afiairs in Amos' time? What is to be said of the language 
of Amos ? What illustrations is he fond of using ? What is the central 
theme of Amos? What message does he deliver? What five visions 
does he relate? What does he announce in conclusion? What truths 



234 BIBLE LITERATURE. 

does Amos teach ? Give a summary of Amos. Give tlie practical lessons. 
When did Obadiah prophesy ? What did Obadiah prophesy? What 
does his single message contain ? Give a summary of Obadiah. Give 
the practical lessons. 

JONAH— MICAH. 
What can you say about Jonah ? What can you tell of the two 
miracles recorded in the book of Jonah ? Wherein is the prophecy 
found in the book of Jonah ? What was Jonah's purpose in writing ? 
Give an outline of the contents of the book of Jonah. What is said in 
the New Testament of the repenting Ninevites ? Give a summary of 
the book of Jonah. Give its practical lessons. Tell what you know 
about Micah. Of whom does Micah remind us and in what respects ? 
What are the characteristics of Micah? What is Micah's purpose? 
What warning does he give ? What promise does he give ? What is to 
be said of Micah's Messianic promises? Give a summary of Micah. 
Give the practical lessons. 

NAHUM— HABAKKUK. 

Tell what you know about Nahum. What are the characteristics of 
his prophecy ? What is the burden of Nahum's prophecy ? Why shall 
Nineveh be destroyed ? What is promised to Judah ? Give a summary 
of Nahum. Give the practical lessons. What can you tell about 
Habakkuk? What is to be said of the style of Habakkuk? What 
is the aim of Habakkuk ? What are the contents of Habakkuk ? How 
shall the just live ? What are the fundamental thoughts of this book ? 
What is to be said of Habakkuk's message and Paul's relation to it? 
Give a summary of Habakkuk. What are the practical lessons ? 

ZEPHANIAH-HAGGAI. 

Tell what you know about Zephaniah and his times. What is to 
be said of the language of Zephaniah? What does the book of 
Zephaniah contain ? What warning, what invitation and what promise 
does the prophet give ? What is to be said about Zephaniah's message ? 
How is the universal outlook of Zephaniah shovv^n ? What does he say 
about the coming salvation ? Give a summary of the book. Give its 
practical lessons. What is there to be said about Ilaggai and his proph- 
esies? What is the theme of Haggai? Why was the rebuilding of 
the temple important? What prophecy concerning the future does 
Haggai make? Give a summary of the book. Give its practical 
lessons. 



QUESTIONS. 235 

ZECHARIAH. 

Tell what you know of Zechariah? What is to be said of 
the language of Zechariah? What does Zeehariah tell for Israel's 
comfort? What does he show first ? Give the seven visions. What is 
God's command to His people ? What does the prophet say about the 
good shepherd and his sheep ? ¥7hat does he say of the Holy City 
and Jehovah's glory? What is to be said of Zechariah's outlook? 
What has Zechariah been called, and why? What name isgiv^en to the 
Messiah ? Mention some of the events foretold by Zechariah, concern- 
ing the Messiah. What prophecy is made concerning Israel's future ? 
Give a summary of the book. Give the practical lessons. 

MALACHI. 

What is to be said of Malachi and his times? Describe the 
style in which the book of Malachi is written. What is Malachi's aim ? 
What does he describe first? Mention some of Israel's wrongdoings. 
Who does the prophet say are coming ? How shall the " Angel of the 
Covenant" come to such a people as Israel? What does the prophet 
call on the people to do ? Who will come before the judgment of sep- 
aration ? To what new danger was Israel beginning to be exposed ? 
What does the prophet have to say about the Gentiles? What is 
needed for Israel ? Who was this second Elijah? Give a summary of 
the book. Give its practical lessons. 



MAY 



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